In order for live events to run again, organisers of conventions and exhibitions, as well as venue and centre operators need to put measures in place to create safe environments for all – both suppliers and participants. 

Here’s a positive step – the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) have released a global good practice guide for business events. 

The ‘Good Practice Guide: Addressing Covid-19 Requirements for Re-opening Business Events’ identifies and promotes globally emerging standards, protocols, and best practice from among its membership as well as good examples from other industries and organisations.  

This new guidance promises to be a useful resource to the industry, helping organisers and venues alike to create the conditions and safeguards required to deliver safe events while observing the needs and expectations of relevant governments and health authorities. 

We’ve looked through it and it’s pretty comprehensive, with granular detail covering physical distancing measures such as barriers and floor markings, show floor routing and seating plans, the use of transparent partitions and cleaning regimes.  

This guidance – and others which may follow- will certainly bolster the exhibitions industry’s rallying cry to government that it can adapt and begin business again.