Excel and ICCA have discussed safety following the Paris attacks last Friday.
A major Paris conference attracting 5,000 delegates was cancelled in the wake of terrorist attacks.
The Airbnb Open was due to take place on November 12-14 in the French capital which is now Airbnb’s biggest market.
There were seven coordinated terror attacks in Paris carried out by militants, killing at least 129 people.
The first attacks were launched virtually simultaneously, with two explosions close to the Stade de France at just after 9.20pm local time, four miles apart.
The explosions came as a large crowd were enjoying the first half of the international friendly between France and Germany.
A statement on the Airbnb website said: “We are saddened and heartbroken by the events in Paris overnight. Our top priority is helping Airbnb Open attendees, hosts, and travelers in Paris stay safe. We have activated our community’s disaster response service to support those who need housing in Paris. This makes it possible for Airbnb hosts to share their homes with displaced people for free. We’re working with local and national government officials so they can recommend the service while they’re fielding inquiries from people who need a place to go. Please share this information with anyone who is interested or in need of accommodations during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, management at London’s largest exhibition venue have beefed up security.
David Pegler, CEO, Excel London, said: “Firstly, on behalf of Excel London, I would like to express our sincere condolences following the terrible events in Paris last Friday. Our thoughts are with the people of France, especially the families and those personally affected by this tragedy. In light of the recent events, ExCeL is continuing to work closely with the local police, clients and security providers to ensure the safety of people in our venue at all times. Additional security measures have been put into place and ensuring that everyone is vigilant is a top priority. For future events we will continue to work closely with the police, our organisers and the Inkerman Group, who provide us with security intelligence, to help ensure the continued safety of ExCeL and the people who visit us.”
Nina Freysen-Pretorius, ICCA president, said: “During my speech at the ICCA Congress Welcome Ceremony in Buenos Aires, I reminded the audience about the many challenges facing our world, including the ever-present threat of terrorism, and how this aims to silence the civilised values of free speech and rational debate that our industry represents. Now that terror has struck in the heart of Paris, and in the most brutal way imaginable, we must stand with our French friends and colleagues to oppose the warped and evil thinking that allows individuals to act in such a barbaric way.
“On behalf of ICCA members from all regions of the world, I send condolences to our French colleagues, and want them to know that we all stand united beside them in opposing terror and fanaticism in all forms. ”
It has emerged that the Black Tomato Agency evacuated 85 people from Paris to London on Saturday, following the terror attacks.
The incentive group was told to stay in the restaurant until the attacks stopped, before being guided back to their hotels on Friday night.
