(Pictured: Dusseldorf Exhibition Centre)
UFI, the global association for the exhibition industry, has welcomed a decision by the German government to pave a way for exhibitions and tradeshows in the country to reopen. In its list of measures on dealing with the current COVID-19 pandemic, Germany has taken the step to segment “mass gatherings,” explicitly highlighting out tradeshows and exhibitions as types of events that can be allowed again. While most types of mass gatherings remain banned in the country until the end of August, the 16 German states now have authority to give the go ahead for tradeshows and exhibitions, based on a number of preconditions being met—like a limitation of participants, and approved health and safety measures.
As the first German state, North Rhine-Westphalia has decided that it intends to allow topical (i.e. B2B) trade shows and congresses to run from May 30 if (yet to be specified) conditions are met. “We are advocating that not all types of events are equal, and it is encouraging to see that this message has reached the government of one of the world’s most important exhibition markets,” says Mary Larkin, UFI president. “Every exhibition is an organized event—as an industry, we know how to create conditions where attendees can go about their business while taking the necessary precautions in the age of COVID19.”
Earlier this week, UFI published a “Global Framework guidance for the safe reopening of exhibitions and B2B trade events.” Put together with a global task force representing all parts of the exhibitions ecosystem, the document delivers the guidance towards both political decision makers and health authorities about how we as an industry as able to provide a safe environment in the age if COVID-19.
Globally the exhibition sector generates €68.7 ($81.1) billion in direct GDP and contributes a total economic impact of €275 ($325) billion. This ranks the sector as the 56th largest economy in the world, larger than those of countries such as Hungary, Kuwait, Sri Lanka and Ecuador.
UFI is the global trade association of the world’s tradeshow organisers and exhibition centre operators, as well as the major national and international exhibition associations, and selected partners of the exhibition industry. UFI’s main goal is to represent, promote and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry. UFI directly represents more than 50,000 exhibition industry employees globally, and also works closely with its 60 national and regional association members. More than 800 member organisations in 89 countries around the world are presently signed up as members. Around 1,000 international trade fairs proudly bear the UFI approved label, a quality guarantee for visitors and exhibitors alike. UFI members continue to provide the international business community with a unique marketing media aimed at developing outstanding face-to-face business opportunities.
For more info, visit www.ufi.org
