While most types of mass gatherings remain banned in the country until the end of August, the 16 German states now have authority to give the go ahead for trade shows and exhibitions, based on a number of preconditions being met - like a limitation of participants, and approved health and safety measures.
The North Rhine-Westphalia region in western Germany and which includes the cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund and Essen has already confirmed its intention to allow topical (i.e. B2B) trade shows and congresses to run from 30-May-2020 as long as yet to be specified conditions are met. UFI, the global association for the exhibition industry, has welcomed a decision.
"We are advocating that not all types of events are equal, and it is encouraging to see that this message has reached the government of one of the world's most important exhibition markets", says Mary Larkin, UFI's president.
"Every exhibition is an organised event - as an industry, we know how to create conditions where attendees can go about their business while taking the necessary precautions in the age of Covid-19," she adds.
UFI has recently published a 'global framework guidance for the safe reopening of exhibitions and B2B trade events'. Put together with a global task force representing all parts of the exhibitions ecosystem, the document delivers the guidance towards both political decision makers and health authorities about how we as an industry as able to provide a safe environment in the age if Covid-19.
All aspects of exhibition design and delivery are accommodated in the framework, ranging from the event environment to a wholesale reconsideration of the customer journey. It sets out to provide governments and health authorities around the world with the information they require to confidently green-light exhibitions once again.
The framework includes around 30 items that will ensure that exhibitions can run in a safe environment. It covers areas like personnel and personal safety, physical distancing, increased health and safety regulations, the implementation of crowd control, and the encouragement and enforcement regulations - all before, during, and after the event respectively.
By embracing and promoting the framework, UFI says the industry can not only ensure a unified approach to their day-to-day management but engage in re-opening talks with authorities and governments on all levels - the bodies that give licence for exhibitions to take place.
Globally the exhibition sector generates EUR68.7 billion in direct GDP and contributes a total economic impact of EUR275. This ranks the sector as the 56th largest economy in the world, larger than those of countries such as Hungary, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, and Ecuador.
Germany's decision is significant, and others could follow its lead. But, as The Blue Swan Daily highlighted last week in relation to the airline and airport sectors, sentiment to travel and travel restrictions will similarly be significant hurdles.