We slowly see an increasing number of events safely return to in-person. In line with this, some organizations have been using digital solutions to support their events' health and safety requirements.
In this month’s Event Industry News, we will talk about the opening of land borders to vaccinated international travelers, NYC & Company’s “It’s Time to Make It NYC” campaign, NOEA's Showman Show, Penang International Travel Exchange, and the need for innovative health-screening solutions as the event industry welcomes in-person meetings again this year.
Event Industry Hails U.S. Government as It Opens Borders to Vaccinated International Visitors
Throughout exhibitions, conferences, and trade shows, professionals are now looking forward to a brighter and more brilliant future for the event industry after President Joe Biden announced lifting U.S. travel restrictions for vaccinated international visitors in November.
International travelers can directly fly into the U.S. starting in early November and will only be required to show proof of full vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their U.S.-bound flight. In addition, there’s no need to quarantine themselves anymore.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant blow to the event industry. It lost exhibitors, attendees, and other professionals from different regions of the world affected by the travel ban restrictions.
Board chair of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) and President and CEO of Emerald (ECA) and President and CEO of Hervé Sedky revealed that ECA members were thrilled with the new travel rules. They consider the recovery efforts a great opportunity for all event professionals as the industry returns to in-person gatherings and meetings.
He also said that small businesses across the U.S. rely so much on the industry to recover, considering thousands of events held in the country each year.
New York City Welcomes In-Person Meetings With “It’s Time to Make It NYC” Campaign
NYC & Company designed the marketing and sales campaign “It’s Time to Make It NYC” to signal a strong comeback of in-person gatherings in New York City.
The new campaign encourages event professionals that it’s time to return to the business capital of the world, where they can safely organize in-person events, conferences, and trade shows.
According to Fred Dixon, President, and CEO of NYC & Company, NYC can ensure safe event reopening as it follows the highest safety and infection control of COVID-19. Today, there’s a new vaccine mandate for indoor activities–reducing the risk of being infected with the virus and possibly spreading it to others.
Dixon explained further that NYC would remain an ideal venue to host world-class events. The vibrant city can truly enhance the attendee experience with its fascinating culture, global flavors, and top-rated attractions.
“It’s Time to Make It NYC” campaign is conceptualized creatively to feature New York City’s famous sights. This event branding will also be seen at industry events, and trade shows this year and even in 2022, including IMEX America next month, IAEE Expo Expo! and AMEX INTER[action] in December, and other events.
If you’re an event professional who’s interested in engaging with the campaign, you can use the hashtag #ItsTimeToMakeItNYC.
Theresa Villiers to Attend NOEA’s ‘Showman’s Show’
National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) has recently announced that the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, Theresa Villiers, will be their guest in this year’s Showman’s Show on October 20-21. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the industry’s delivery of goods or services and the future of outdoor events.
Everyone will have the chance to tour the show and meet some exhibitors. There will also be an interview with Theresa as part of NOEA’s convention that will take place on November 24 and its #BuildBackBetter campaign.
Susan Tanner, CEO of NOEA, said that their organization is excited and pleased to welcome Theresa to The Showman’s Show this year. The event will also allow her to meet some top business leaders and exchange inspiring industry stories with them.
“It’s a good opportunity to have government representation at The Showman’s Show as it’s the perfect platform to view the industry at its best,” added Jeremy Lance, Showman’s Show Event Director.
Penang International Travel Exchange Is Going Digital for a Second Year
AMEX INTERaction's Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE) 2021 trade show will live stream from October 25-26 for the Asia Pacific and the Middle East markets. Another live session from October 28-29 will follow, intended for the Europe and UK markets.
Similar to last year's event, PITE 2021 will open opportunities like business matching between buyers and exhibitors, virtual networking sessions, and some educational sessions. At least 40 exhibitors from Malaysia and more than 100 buyers are expected to participate.
In his speech, Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB said that it's crucial to start holding events that support the message of safety and security in travel and organizing events.
Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin added that amid the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions, the destination remains "committed to reaching out to key markets internationally."
Efficient Health-Screening Solution for the Safe Return of In-Person Events
Industries are now witnessing and experiencing the return of live events. Organizations need to streamline the different ways to verify proof of health status using technology, considering the safe return of in-person meetings.
A health screening solution is designed to ease the verification process for organizers, attendees, and other professionals. Also, it can even offer additional health and safety services in some cases.
Clear is a mobile app that securely connects a person’s verified identity to their proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test and allows them to fill out health surveys.
More than 130 organizations have already used its Clear Health Pass to help offer safer environments and event venues for all.
“Innovation is important to ensure that we come back better while offering safer and easier experiences to consumers or attendees,” said Caryn Seidman-Becker, co-founder and CEO of Clear.
