CAB and jab – India ’ s credo for the safe restart of events
PUBLISHER OF INDIA ’ S MICE AFFAIRS MAGAZINE , SACHIN MANOCHA , SHARES SOME INSIGHTS ON HIS COUNTRY ’ S BATTLE WITH COVID AND MEASURES BEING TAKEN ON THE ROAD TO THE INDUSTRY ’ S SAFE REOPENING
imes are still uncertain . India just passed the second Covid wave and it was not an easy journey . The only irrefutable outcome from that situation was , that most of the people are more concerned now about getting vaccinated without further ado , as that second round of infectious disease was deadly .
By God ’ s grace , we are back to the same figures as before the second Covid wave struck . Recoveries are moving in an ultra-fast mode and most of the provinces have started reopening with some restrictions .
If predictions of the third wave are realised , however , we will need to batten down the hatches and be ready to handle it with more efficacy .
People are eager to travel and this was evidenced by the state of Himachal announcing the removal of the need for a RTPCR test to enter the hilly region in the northern part of India . There was also a huge amount of traffic on the roads at a time when the call is for limited numbers backed by precautions . We really need to adapt our learning from the recent perilous experiences .
Reopening is easy but we need to open with more safety and precautions , need to learn the CAB ( Covid Apt Behaviour ), at least until such a time as we hit the zone of herd immunity .
Focussing back on MICE business , everyone in the industry is waiting for an answer to the question of ‘ When ?’
Post first wave , India did see a few events organised in various cities , such as Acetech , Satte and Ride Asia . All event organisers strictly abided by the new Covid protocols , from providing sanitising stations to touchless entries and enforcing mask up culture . There were signboards placed to remind attendees to follow the new regulations and safety culture . It was a good attempt , but we need to do much more and , as participants , be responsible in every way and contribute towards an even safer event culture . Then reopening can be justified .
India ’ s meeting and incentive business is largely dominated by corporate buyers - being the key decision-makers of such events – and they are not contemplating a quick resumption of incentive events until vaccination targets are accomplished . The safety of employees , who are awarded and invited for these conferences , is of paramount prominence . That , at least , was the sentiment of the survey we conducted recently .
On the other hand , venues are adopting stricter measures as they prepare to host MICE events when they are able to reopen . From touchless entry systems and easy sanitisation methods to the latest buzz in the market of prefixed meetings , and we may also soon see technology playing an increasing role in helping facilitating meetings during expos .
If we look at the large city hotels ,
Above : Sachin Manocha
which are highly dependent on business travel , meeting and incentive business ,, we see they are facing difficult times . Recently Hyatt Regency Mumbai shut down operations for an unspecified time due to the financial crunch . But there are also other examples of hotels in the same bracket , which have come up with innovative ideas offering staycations and day-use concepts , as they wait for group business to return .
Various industry groups and trade associations are brainstorming on the safe resumption of events , and advocating to various state and national authorities on new revised Standard Operating Procedures to be considered . In the latest development , a few of the trade bodies have requested the Delhi Government to consider the opening of events by implementing the formula of 3sqm per person . The letter requesting that also asks for the waiving of the capping of maximum attendance during events in the city ( from weddings to trade events ). While the final word is awaited on that , it is clear a revision of SOP ’ s is required before events can restart .
As of 21 June , India had carried out 270 million vaccinations . Still a long way to go but that ’ s the only road to travel for the time being .
ISSUE 113 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 39