Coronavirus risks long term damage to the events industry

The rapid spread of coronavirus around the world is taking its toll on the events industry and the vast supply chain that supports it. The virus is presenting the industry with an unprecedented global challenge that could be longer lasting than the lifespan of the virus itself.

As the number of coronavirus cases climbs around the world, event organisers face the risk that the disruption will last for several months with people being overcautious to attend future events and the knock-on effect of events that have recently been cancelled.

At this point, it’s hard to know how fast it will spread or what the accurate fatality rate is so we can only learn as the situation develops. With the unknown, it therefore becomes very difficult to predict what the impact of the coronavirus outbreak will be but within the events industry. We are already experiencing consequences that will undoubtedly have a long term effect on certain businesses with the fear that a number will not be able to survive.

Public transport more likely to be a source of transmission than any events

The UK events industry is worth £43 billion and is suffering from many attendees or event organisers either postponing or cancelling outright, which goes against the advice that has been published. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Jonathan Van-Tam has stated that ‘There will be no ban on live events and other large-scale mass gatherings across the UK in the near future.’ He also adds that with the virus having a small radius of infection of two metres, pubs and public transport are more likely to be a source of transmission than any events.

Cancelling events will not only have a devastating impact on the supply chain but also on the local and wider economy. The current situation which is panic-driven rather than fact-driven is creating a negative impact on the industry and must be taking a toll on the mental wellbeing of all staff involved.

The events industry should set a positive example and not overreact

As an industry that is at the forefront of public and media attention, we should be setting a positive example in light of the coronavirus outbreak and not overreact. We have a duty of care to look after the large supply chain connected to the industry and until there is evidence or guidance stating events should be cancelled, we should continue with planned events.

Martin Fullard of Mash Media recently told the BBC cancelling events should be a last resort. He also commented that “The events industry is famously resilient and that through collaboration it has a duty to look after its supply chain, which in some cases could see businesses losing out.”

For more articles around the Coronavirus, including top tips for event organisers, check out our industry insights.