As the current unprecedented situation continues to persist, as a Certified Meeting Professional designated by the Events Industry Council, I’d like to provide you with access to some resources about the ongoing issues related to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. In addition to these, please follow all WHO and CDC-advised measures for hand washing and sanitation, as well as, stay home if you’re not feeling well. The information in the below links is updated on a regular basis, so make sure to check it frequently. We hope you find it helpful and we want to wish you a safe virtual event.
COVID-19 resources
The global events industry, representing over 26 million professionals, builds community and drives innovation, workforce development and education. It is vital and will play a pivotal role in the world’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
We are, at our core as human beings, called to connect face to face. We share our stories and our journeys to create welcoming environments and meaningful, life affirming experiences through these face-to-face experiences.
We are resilient. We are better when we face adversity and align and with a unified voice around the power of events.
The following resources were collected and curated to help from https://eventscouncil.org/coronavirus
WEBMINARS:
Moving online: How to transition your live event to an engaging virtual experience
Discussion of Critical Insurance and Legal Considerations for Event Professionals
An industry discussion on COVID-19 and PCMA coverage of webinar
Economic impact research
The economic impact of the events industry is significant. On a total GDP basis, the global events industry is as large as the 13th largest global economy. Based on business sales, the business events sector is larger than consumer electronics and computers, and office equipment.
The 2018 Global Economic Significance of Business Events study, commissioned by the Events Industry Council and conducted by Oxford Economics, reveals:
- 1.5 billion people worldwide participate in business events annually
- $2.5 trillion (USD) in direct and indirect spending as a result of business events
- $1.5 trillion (USD) in global GDP contribution
- 26 million people have direct or indirect jobs in this industry
- $704 (USD) average spending by business events participants
Access our fact sheets: The global power of the events industry, which examines the impact in Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East, North America and Western Europe.
Aon: A Look at How a Pandemic Can Affect an Economy
McKinsey & Company: COVID-19 and Implications for Business
Global member and industry partner resources
Our industry represents 26 million event professionals around the world. The following compilation of resources represents the passion and activities of many of our member organisations and peers.
Member organisations
American Hotel & Lodging Association: COVID-19 Resource Center
American Society of Association Executives Issue Roundup: Coronavirus Disease
Destinations International Response and Recovery Hub
HSMAI Insights: A Revenue Leader’s Response and Best Practice in a Crisis
IAVM: Coronavirus Updates for Venue Managers
International Association of Exhibitions and Events COVID-19 Resource Center
International Congress and Convention Association: COVID-19 Status Updates
International Exhibition Logistics Association Statement/Resources
Meetings Professional International Coronavirus Resources
PCMA Coronavirus News and Resources
Society for Incentive Travel Excellence COVID-19 Flipboard
U.S. Travel Association Toolkit
U.S. Travel Association CARES Act Relief Resources
Media
Industry and trade media, as well as mainstream media around the world, are reporting on this issue. The following list provides a sampling of media coverage but is not intended to be comprehensive.
Airfare Watchdog’s List of COVID-19 Flight Cancellations by Region and Airline
ASAE’s Associations Now
Destinations International Blog: COVID-19 Resource Hub
International Association of Venue Managers Industry Blog
Northstar Meetings Group: Latest Industry Statements, Resources and Responses to Coronavirus
PCMA: COVID-19: Is Your Event Covered?
Smart Meetings Coronavirus Resource Guide
MPI’s The Meeting Professional: Special Report on Novel Coronavirus
New York Times: Coronavirus Travel Restrictions Across the Globe
