How Do You Plan To Stage a COVID Safe Event for The Industry?

The Government is clear with its advice and road map for reopening the economy and the importance of the return of live events to support businesses and the economy. We also have a lot of encouragement from both exhibitors and visitors, who have told us how important it is for their businesses to return to professional, safe trade events, in order to meet and do business with new and existing customers. We are therefore confident, with testing and the rapid roll-out of the vaccination programme, that we will be able to stage a much needed and successful event for the industry this autumn.

What measures are you taking to address our health and safety?

We are working closely with our venue, the Association of Exhibition Organisers and Government to make sure the event is staged in a safe environment for everyone.

Whilst the advice is subject to change, depending on Government advice at the time of the event, we are implementing the following guidelines, to ensure everyone’s health and safety:

All exhibitors, contractors and visitors must provide proof either of a double vaccination, or proof of a negative Lateral Flow Test taken within 48 hours prior to attending the event. Upon proof, exhibitors and contractors will be issued with a wristband, which will be valid for the duration of the show.

We encourage the use of face coverings whenever possible, and request that all attendees respect our policy of limited physical contact.

We request that you respect adequate social distancing with all your fellow attendees and exhibitors throughout the event.

All exhibitors and visitors will be encouraged to use the NHS Track and Trace service.

We encourage you to minimise the use of printed material including the use of business. cards. Instead, we recommend the use of the data scanners apps to capture your leads (please see your Exhibitor Manual for details on how to get these).

Regular cleaning and sanitisation of public spaces and high-touch areas.

Hand sanitisers at entrances and throughout the show.

Prominent signage with hygiene and physical distancing reminders around the hall.

Our primary concern is always the safety of our visitors and exhibitors and further measures may be considered depending on Government and scientific advice and, if required, will be communicated to everyone in advance.

Will international attendees be allowed to attend the show?

Overseas visitors will need to provide proof of a double vaccination, using that country’s approved ‘vaccine passport’ mechanism. If a country is on the UK’s red list, we may unfortunately have to decline admission, depending on Government policy at the time. Overseas attendees will also be asked to undertake two negative COVID tests within five days of attending the event. This policy is subject to ongoing review and subject to Government guidelines at the time of the event.

Will there be a possibility of limited attendance on the show floor at any one time?

No, as long as the attendance does not go significantly above what is normal for this event, it is unlikely at this stage that there will be a limit on the attendance. Areas of high and prolonged density, such as theatres and catering areas, are likely to be subject to some restrictions. Queuing areas will also be extended to allow for adequate social distancing.

Will food sampling be allowed?

Yes, we anticipate that food sampling will be allowed as normal, although additional guidelines on food preparation, presentation of samples and food preparation areas will be required. Any exhibitor considering food sampling should refer to the exhibitor manual for full details.

Will stand designs have to change?

We encourage all exhibitors to consider adequate distancing, and hygiene factors when designing their stands. Space Only stands are subject to a Health & Safety sign-off, and details of this can be found in the Exhibitor Manual or by contacting the organising team.

Risk Assessment

When completing your Risk Assessment within the H&S form in the exhibitor manual please include any social distancing and hygiene controls that you deem necessary in reducing the risk of Covid 19 transmission.

Other questions?

If you have any other questions not covered here about the health and safety measures we are putting in place to protect everyone, please contact our organising team by email at [email protected], including your question, stand number, company and full contact details including phone number.

Thank you for your support and your help in keeping everybody safe.