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COVID-19's Impact on Future Industry Events

CTA Event Impacts
In order to allow members to "focus on core operations, plan ahead, and conserve resources," the CTA has canceled, postponed, and converted current and near-future events planned in 2020. Details of the company's plans have been provided below.

Canceled Events
Due to the limitations in place regarding social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CTA has opted to cancel several events that were scheduled for the first half of 2020.

Events that have currently been canceled include the following:

Virtual Events
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Postponed Events
  • Due to social distancing regulations, the CTA has postponed events with dates to be announced.
  • One event that has been postponed is CES Asia 2020.
  • The company stated, "We have decided to postpone CES Asia for 2020. Our decision reflects the concerns of our stakeholders including exhibitors, buyers, media and speakers. Given the evolving global concerns about and impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we feel this is the best decision for everyone involved."
  • Future Events
  • As of now, the company has not announced any future events or dates for rescheduling currently canceled events.
  • The company stated that they are focused on core operations and want to take the time right now to plan ahead for any future uncertainties. 

Meeting Planner Predictions (1)
The five meeting planning groups responded to the outbreak by advocating for financial reliefs, launching online industry resources, postponing events, launching promotional campaigns, adjusting themes of future conferences, and preparing recovery plans for members, among others.

American Society of Association (ASAE)
Statement from ASAE President and CEO

Issue Round-Up Resource Toolkit
  • ASAE launched a new information and resource portal, 'Issue Round-Up' for members and visitors.
  • The resource page features advocacy initiatives, webcasts, articles, Q&A sessions, and impact surveys due to the coronavirus crisis.
  • On March 19, the ASAE Research Foundation started conducting weekly surveys for associations and members to highlight the impact of the pandemic on the industry.

Executives Events Industry Council (EIC)
Statement to Members, Partners, and Community
  • On March 2, the council chair released a statement about the impact of the ongoing pandemic. The announcement stated that industry professionals need to make adjustments for the coming six to twelve months.
  • The council highlighted its focus on making informed decisions about future meetings based on guidance provided by the WHO and CDC. The council would provide resources for industry partners to stay updated with the latest industry developments.
  • Further, the chairperson requested industry professionals to stay healthy and remain optimistic about the future. 

COVID-19 Resources
  • On March 19, a joint message by the CEO and Chairperson announced the launch of COVID-19 educational resources and tools by EIC and its 33 members.
  • The resource page on the council's website features advocacy initiatives, council statements, economic impact studies, member webinars, industry media resources, and Q&A for industry professionals.
  • Advocacy Letter
  • On March 24, the association CEO released the advocacy letter, highlighting the impact of COVID-19 on the global events' industry.
  • The statement featured a pre-formatted letter for event industry professionals to get united and ask government officials and key decision-makers for economic relief. Further, the announcement stated that the customizable letter should be shared on social media platforms to raise awareness about the issue.


Global DMC Partners
Webinar Series


IMEX Group International
Frankfurt Event Cancellation
  • On March 11, the organization announced the cancellation of the IMEX Frankfurt event to be held in May 2020.
  •  IMEX stated that the decision to cancel the event was taken into consideration due to the German government's order to ban gatherings of more than 1,000 people and to minimize the loss for exhibitors preparing for the event by communicating the cancellation about two months in advance.
  •  IMEX CEO said that refunds for exhibitors would be provided for the Frankfurt Event. Further, the organization stated that they are optimistic about their next event in September in Las Vegas. 

Preparing for the Las Vegas Event
  • On April 10, the CEO of IMEX Group said that teams are working remotely for the Las Vegas event to be held in September 2020.
  •  IMEX America will be one of the significant events that will take place after the pandemic. The organization is planning hard to incorporate appropriate safety measures for the event.
  • Some essential measures considered include hybrid and virtual events, ending buffet services, and others.
  • The company is working with remote team members to conduct surveys, make bookings, host Q&A sessions, and share knowledge.

PlanetIMEX
  • On April 20, the company announced the launch of PlanetIMEX, a unique experiential virtual event to be held in May 2020.
  • The video game-inspired online event will feature 3D interactive islands that will enable viewers to get free access to a variety of interactive content.
  • The event will enable visitors to connect, explore, learn, interact, and discuss future business with the global business events community.

Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
Statement from IAEE President and CEO
Coronavirus Resources

Meeting Planner Predictions (2)
The five meeting planning groups responded to the outbreak by preparing online resources for their members, postponing some of their events, launching campaigns to promote the industry, adjusting themes of future conferences, and preparing recovery plans for members for after the outbreak, among others.

Findings
Meetings Mean Business Coalition
Coronavirus Preparedness Toolkit
  • On March 2, 2020, Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) published an open letter to the meetings industry.
  • The letter included an overview of the situation at the time, as well as a link to the coronavirus preparedness toolkit.
  • The toolkit is composed of "industry-specific messaging and materials, including talking points, template press materials and sample social media content." It also presents content from MMBC's partner organizations such as The US Travel Organization and Events Industry Council.
  • According to the letter, the organization's goal is to present credible, up-to-date information about the COVID-19 in relation to business travel.
Reaction to Guidance on Mass Gatherings and Large Events
  • On March 16, 2020, MMBC issued a press release to comment on the guidance to cancel or postpone all 50+ people events in the coming six weeks.
  • The organization's comment focused on applauding industry professionals who find ways to deal with the crisis, as well as employees who contribute to their communities despite their difficult situation.
  • To quote its statement, "that’s why in lockstep with our partners from across the globe, the Meetings Mean Business Coalition will lead the industry’s efforts to promote fact-based decision-making and broaden awareness of the industry’s commitment to serving the public during this period of crisis and uncertainty."
  • MMBC promised to support the industry with resources and recovery plans throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
Global Meetings Industry Day
  • The Global Meetings Industry Day was supposed to take place on April 14, 2020, in over 50 countries.
  • On March 31, 2020, Meetings Mean Business Coalition announced that the in-person event is postponed due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions and social distancing policies.
  • Even though the organization plans to set a new date shortly, instead of an in-person event, it has proposed a 12-hour broadcast, a webcast, and an online discussion.
  • According to the press release, MMBC thinks that the pandemic has been "especially hard on their industry," which is why the organization is using the opportunity to support the industry's professionals by organizing online guidance.

Meeting Professionals International
Statement by MPI's President
  • Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has a dedicated COVID-19 page on its website. It includes a statement from the organization's CEO and president, Paul Van Deventer.
  • The statement acknowledges all the event businesses that have been impacted by the outbreak and sympathizes with them.
  • At the same time, the president sees his organization's responsibility to serve the community with reliable information and support.
  • He promises to deliver educational content through webinars and other resources, as well as during a future event, WEC Grapevine, which is supposed to take place in June.
  • The online resources are to be delivered through the organization's coronavirus page, social channels, and newsletters.
  • He also emphasizes that his organization will support recovery and growth in the industry after the crisis.
Overview of Resources by MPI
  • The COVID-19 page on MPI's website includes a mix of member and non-member educational resources related to the pandemic.
  • Non-member resources include over 20 coronavirus-related webinars.
  • The whole library that requires member access has more than 200 webinars.
  • The organization also offers the COVID-19 toolkit, which comprises social media visuals, PowerPoint slides, and badges.
  • Additionally, it launched the Coronavirus Dialogue Series that invites industry professionals to discuss their situation with experts.
World Education Congress (WEC)
  • Economic CongressOne of the COVID-19-related news talks about the World Education Congress in Texas.
  • According to the article, it will be time to "reunite to recover, reconnect to restore, and return our profession back to the center of economic growth."
  • This year's conference will focus on the impact of the outbreak on the meetings and events industry, as well as accurate responses and services after it ends. It will feature speakers from Intent Strategy Group and Maley Events, among others.
  • As it is an important event for the organization, there is a whole FAQ section for the coronavirus and the World Education Congress.

Professional Convention Management Association
PCMA Asking for Government Support
  • Professional Convention Management Association's (PCMA) leadership released two statements that emphasized the need for government support for hospitality, travel and business event sectors.
  • Those messages were published on March 23, 2020.
  • The first statement was addressed to the United States Department of the Treasury and asked for economic package specifically for those industries.
  • The organization's President and CEO noted that he signed a letter with the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) that asks for such support. The letter is attached to the press release.
  • The second statement asked for modifications to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act that would provide more help to the above-mentioned sectors.
  • The CEO believes that it can be achieved if people in the industry attempt to contact the legislators and provides templates to do it successfully.
Member Support at PCMA
  • On March 17, 2020, two members of the board of PCMA issued a statement in which they expressed their support to those in the industry who have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • They offered their support and provided several channels through which PCMA can be contacted and provide help.
  • In the statement, PCMA promised to help through the recovery phase by working "with governments and leaders everywhere to encourage financial support for all aspects of our industry, including front-line workers in health care and hospitality."
  • The organization also said that together with its partner, it will work on building a strong public perception of business travel, ensuring that people view it as safe.
Commitment to Managing the Crisis
  • On March 4, 2020, the CEO of PCMA, pledged his organization's dedication to providing its members with crisis management resources.
  • According to the press release, they include webinars, best practices, case studies, and other insights.
  • The statement also discusses plans for the future, which revolve around assisting businesses with recovery.
  • PCMA's assistance will encompass providing clear information related to their safety standards, helping with risk assessments, and helping to build the image of business events as safe after the pandemic.
  • The press release also declares that PCMA works closely with its partners and leaders in other industries who believe that business events are important social and economic wellbeing.

SISO AND UFI
Statement on the Exhibitions Industry
  • On February 19, 2020, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, issued a joint statement about the global exhibitions industry during the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • At the time, they emphasized that it was each company's right to decide whether it wants to exhibit itself or not during the outbreak. Also, according to them, no matter what its decision was, it should have been supported by the organizers.
  • According to the organizations, business events are helping to fight the consequences of the outbreak, especially the economic ones.
  • Still, they stress the importance of prioritizing health during such a crisis.
  • At the same time, they remain optimistic and convinced that the exhibitions industry will recover after the outbreak.
Global Campaign to Help the Industry
  • The only other COVID-19-related press release by SISO and UFI is from March 6, 2020.
  • Specifically, it is about launching a global campaign to support the exhibitions and events industry.
  • The campaign is called "This Show is Open" or "This Expo is Open." It illustrates the crucial role expos and shows are playing in the economy.
  • The campaign materials were supposed to be delivered to each of the member companies and similar event organizations.
  • According to the press release, leaders from the industry applauded the campaign. To confirm that, the organizations included a quote from the CEO of Tarsus Group.
Resources by UFI
  • UFI has a dedicated COVID-19 page with resources for event businesses.
  • The page consists of several sections, which are industry advocacy, advocacy resources, information on the virus, travel advice, health advice, company advice, industry responses, and additional resources.
  • It also provides a list of all shows and exhibitions that have been postponed or canceled.
  • Additionally, it invites industry professionals to participate in the dialogue that is moderated by them and provides guidance on how to become active.
The International Live Events Association
Monitoring the Situation
  • At the beginning of March, the International Live Events Association (ILEA) announced that it is monitoring the situation and that some of the events that its members were supposed to take part in, especially in Australia, the US, Canada, and the UK have already been canceled.
  • It was the first of the three statements about the COVID-19.
  • The organization stated that it is busy filtering through the information and discussing the situation with its industry peers to be able to assist its members.
  • ILEA also asked any impacted members to share their stories and recovery plans to gather resources to support other ILEA businesses. 

Caution, not Panic
  • In early March, the International Live Events Association (ILEA), published a press release that stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and reacting accordingly.
  • For instance, it noted that ILEA Live in July, in San Francisco, is not canceled. However, the organization will update its members if the event has to be postponed.
  • If not, ILEA stresses that the event will keep up with all the safety standards.
  • In the same press release, the organization emphasizes it aims to help its members by providing them with a discussion thread about how the outbreak is impacting their businesses.
Postponing In-Person Events
  • The International Live Events Association's president, Jennifer Thretewey, issued a statement about postponing all chapter meetings or moving them online.
  • She also encouraged members to verify if their local members are organizing COVID-19-related online meetings.
  • At the same time, she ensured members that the organization will focus on helping its members during the recovery and transition phase after the outbreak.
  • Additionally, she announced that the organization's next virtual meeting will focus on the impact of the virus, instead of the topics that were planned for the session.

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