Clearer communication on coronavirus measures would help limit the effect of the outbreak on the events industry, according to Chris Parnham, founder and managing director of Absolute Corporate Events.
Parnham said short term measures being adopted by destinations to deal with the effects of the outbreak are having an adverse effect on the longer term planning of events.
He said: “The effects of the virus outbreak have been very sudden and wide-reaching. Obviously imminent meetings to China and surrounding areas have been cancelled or postponed, but events, incentives and meetings to Europe throughout 2020 are also being looked at very carefully.
Absolute Corporate Events MD Chris Parnham“As each destination increases its level of caution, then events to this region immediately look to postpone or cancel. We have found that in most cases it is a company’s travel policy that affects the viability of an event more than the reality of the local situation or the latest advice.”
Parnham added that he would like to see better communication on how long destinations expect current restrictions to stay in place.
“Short term tactics are affecting long term planning of events,” he said. “Munich has advised against any meeting or gathering of more than 30 people throughout March and April, but this is driving clients to consider their events to Germany at any time in the whole of 2020. The similar is true of Italy and parts of the US.
“As the destinations introduce short-term measures, they are affecting events in the longer term. It would be more helpful if destinations added a forecasted end to any restrictions, so that the window of caution has a limit. Italy expects to revert to a clear bill or health and business as usual by late May/early June, but how well is this communicated? Munich expects the same by end of May. A clearer window of effect, would help secure the long term stability of our industry and also help to limit panic.”
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
