Good HR practice within the meetings and events industry – navigating today’s challenges
Next in our series of guest editors, we'd like to introduce HR expert Kate Goodman, a member of the CIPD and a Mental Health First...
Coronavirus: advice for event organisers
Following the news that Hilton has closed 130 hotels in China, due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the hotel chain has now received another blow at their Barcelona venue – The Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona, as The Mobile World Congress event has been cancelled. The event was due to be held 24-27 February 2020 and attracts around 100,000 attendees.
EDGE Venues is working closely with the Hilton hotel group by promoting a discounted offer for the Barcelona hotel in the hope of recouping some of the lost business. Working closely with various venues and event organisers, EDGE Venues is providing guidance to the industry to help with clarity and advice on the topic in this time of uncertainty.
Event Cancellations and Postponements
The largest impact that the Coronavirus has had on the events industry is the cancellation of large events. These have been planned years in advance and provide substantial income and temporary jobs. Cancellations are having a knock-on effect in many different sectors, not just the event organisers and venues.
With the coronavirus already affecting numerous events throughout the world, particularly in China and other parts of Asia, many event organisers are now choosing to err on the side of caution and either cancel or postpone events, including those outside Asia.
Subject Knowledge
The events industry, venues, event organisers and event attendees are looking at each other to be a source of advice in this time of uncertainty. It is important to share reliable and up to date information with each other and help those that are affected.
Virtual Meetings
A benefit of conferences and meetings is the chance for attendees to meet face to face and network. But with the current health risk one option is to consider a virtual meeting. This could be a viable alternative in the countries that currently have travel restrictions in place, or those that are worried about a low attendance rate due to the outbreak.
Communication
Communication is extremely important, in the run up to and during an event.
Planners should keep informed about the latest Coronavirus updates and inform attendees accordingly. If the event goes ahead it is advisable that a crisis communication plan is in place, should anyone fall ill.
For further information, check these websites, which are constantly updated with the latest advice:
