UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced conferences and exhibitions will be permitted in the UK from 1 October 2020.
In an announcement from Downing Street on 17 July, the PM said the decision would depend on data and that local authorities would have powers to close events if there was a danger to the public.
“It’s brilliant news that the Government has announced that conferences, exhibitions and events can be held from October. The industry brings in nearly a million visitors and £149m in expenditure to NewcastleGateshead every year and plays a crucial role in raising the profile of the destination," Paul Szomoru, director of business events at NewcastleGateshead Initiative said.
“While the industry has done a great job in adapting to the current situation and shifting towards online events, nothing beats human interaction and the collaboration and learning this brings. We’ve seen a real desire from organisers to get back to face-to-face meetings and this announcement will give them the confidence to start planning once again.
“We have some iconic conference and meeting events space here, with more coming in the shape of Gateshead Quays in 2023, and we can’t wait to welcome back business events to the region.”
The Meetings Industry Association (mia) also welcomed the long-awaited news. Jane Longhurst, chief executive of mia said: “The impact of COVID-19 on the business meetings and events sector has been devastating so we are delighted with today’s announcement that we now have a timeframe to work to and recommence. Its positive proof that the Government has been listening to the sector and understands that we can open safely.
“We are currently awaiting the detail of the pilot events, but we do know they are to offer Public Health England the chance to test the industry’s ability to hold major events with large numbers of people.
“We also understand that the guidance, which we can expect any day, will include the news that COVID-Secure venues can immediately open for events up to 30 people, which is a fantastic step forward.
“To ensure that we reopen and operate in a COVID-Secure way, it will be imperative that the sector follows the guidance when it is issued by Government as well as the mia’s Roadmap to reopening and operating safely. And, as further proof of the fact that venues are COVID-Secure, we would suggest that venues add AIM Secure into their planning.”
HBAA chair, Lex Butler said: “At long last, finally we have a date to work to and the uncertainty is over, after all the hard work in lobbying and making preparations to ensure the safety of delegates and staff.
“It’s great news, but we’re reserving our celebrations until we see the small print.”
Simon Hughes, Business Visits & Events Partnership chair added: “After several months of lobbying, and providing significant amounts of evidence and research to government, and working closely in partnership with our colleagues at DCMS, we are delighted that today the Prime Minister has finally announced a go-date of October 1 for the recommencement of business events and exhibitions, subject to the successful completion of some pilot events.
“While this news will come as a great relief to the entire events industry, we are still conscious that the sector will require significant support going forward, as it looks to rebuild and renew, and we will continue to engage with government to look at practical ways to ensure that our world-class industry continues to thrive and support the UK’s overall recovery over the years to come.
“We also look forward to working with DCMS to ensure a successful outcome of the pilot scheme and will provide further updates to the industry as soon as we are able.
“Finally, we would like to thank the entire events industry for their patience, resilience and support that they have demonstrated over what has been an incredibly challenging few months, and we look forward to working together, with one voice, as we look towards the next stage of our recovery.”
The Nightingale hospitals, which currently occupy ExCeL London, the NEC, Harrogate Convention Centre and Manchester Central, will remain in use until the end of March 2021. It is not yet clear how this will impact events at these venues.
Answering a question from a Financial Times reporter about people returning to work, the PM said: “There’s a balance. We have learnt a lot of lessons during this crisis, about the potential of technology, but I think there are also limits to this technology and is no substitute for face-to-face meetings and interactions.”
The announcement comes as numerous industry associations, trade bodies and venues have begun creating Covid-19 safety guidelines and safety labels to instil confidence in planners and delegates.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
