As COVID-19 Cases Subside, the Exhibitions and Trade Show World Reopens

CHICAGO – With cases of COVID-19 subsiding in parts of the world, exhibitions are starting to take place and more regional governments are approving the opening of large-scale events, albeit with stringent precautions.

Related. The 2020 Hunan Auto Show First Large-Scale Exhibition Held in China since January 

Related. UFI Publishes Case Study on Safety Measures Taken During 53rd MBC Construction Expo at South Korea’s KINTEX

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, reported that Thailand is set to reopen its exhibition and convention halls on June 1. This decision comes as part of the government’s phased and mindful approach to allow exhibitions as it aims to balance safety and commerce in this post-pandemic era.

In China, Hong Kong hosted its first exhibition — The Hong Kong Wedding Fair, organized by Hongkong-Asia Exhibition Limited (HAE) — on May 23. The consumer exhibition was comprised of local exhibitors and attendees and was held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre or HKCEC.

Bavaria announced it will allow the Frankfort Book Fair to commence in October, a move signals that other cities will soon follow suit. The mega show attracted more than 320,000 visitors in 2019. Cologne, Düsseldorf, Munich and Nuremberg have already announced that they will host major shows this fall as well.

Related. Trade Shows Officially Distinguished from Mass Gatherings in Germany; Responsible Advocacy Takes Hold as Shows Look to Open Sooner Rather than Later

In addition, Poland says it will reopen exhibitions in early June, announcing—with yet to be published—sanitary guidelines or conditions. And, Switzerland will begin a phased approach with a possible reopening of larger-scale events of 1,000 people or more after August 31.

In the U.S., Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced that casinos can reopen on June 4 as part of its phased approach to reopening. The Orange County Convention Center is set to welcome its first large event in early July. The city of Chicago and its strong hospitality and tourism constituency laying tracks to reopen created a coalition of more than 200 businesses to form its strategy to reopen called: Tourism and Hospitality Forward.

Related. Orange County Convention Center Readies for Return of Events

Trade Show Executive will continue to observe and report on these post-pandemic era reopenings as stories develop.