March 2020 Special Edition: COVID-19

March 2020 Special Edition: COVID-19

INDUSTRY UPDATE
Everyone in our industry is monitoring, and attempting to assess, the developing situation surrounding COVID-19. In conversations with clients, team members, and each other, we’ve discovered most of the questions are the same, and that it may be useful to summarize this information in one place.

COMPANY UPDATE
As of today with our clients, there have been no cancellations. Some events will have fewer delegates due to varying corporate and individual travel preferences.

We do expect a significant pause in both international inbound and outbound delegate representatives.

We realize the situation is fluid and will keep in close contact with each of you!

WHAT WE’RE DOING
We are not advising anyone to travel or to limit their travel; our recommendation is to have each individual check with the Centers for Disease Control and US Department of Homeland Security.

As of today, according to the CDC website, the overall threat in the United States is low.

Regarding hotels and other providers with agreements, we are monitoring performance (like attendee counts) and working with these suppliers to support on-going programs and avoid financial liability.

Meetings already contracted outside the United States are being closely monitored; with some being cancelled, postponed or performing on a smaller scale.

For future or “meeting contracts in process,” the Force Majeure provision is being reviewed in more detail, though “pandemics” have been considered an “Act of God.” As of today, the World Health Organization has not defined COVID-19 as a pandemic.

People arriving in the United States from other countries should expect heightened screening measures at US ports of entry, along with the possibility of delays.

NEWS AND RESOURCES
World Health Organization Daily Situation Reports

WHO’s Public Health for Mass Gatherings:
Key planning recommendations for Mass Gatherings in the context of the current COVID-19 outbreak

PCMA’s COVID-19 industry resources page:
What Business Events Professionals Need to Know About the COVID-19 Coronavirus

An example of a large tradeshow moving forward with their February 26-28 event despite 150 lost exhibitors covering 25K SQ FT in booth space:
Global Pet Expo: ‘The Show Must Go on’ Despite COVID-19

Doctors say avoiding illness is literally in flyers’ hands

HOW’S YOUR CONTRACT?
If you ever need assistance with contracts, rebooking an event, or reducing risk, NHS Global Events is at your service. Please contact your NHS Global Events representative or reach out to us at info@nhsglobalevents.com or 847-213-5555 to see how we can help.

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