Face coverings now mandatory
in conference venues
The Government has updated its guidance with
regards to wearing face coverings in conference
and exhibition centres.
In guidance updated online, 17 August, face
coverings must now be worn in exhibition and
conference centres in England, as well as inside
visitor attractions and entertainment venues.
While business events are not explicitly singled
out, the context suggests that the wearing of
face coverings is mandatory in these settings
also. The guidance reads: “You should wear a
face covering in indoor places not listed [online]
where social distancing may be difficult and
where you will come into contact with people you
do not normally meet.”
Business events of up to 30 people are
presently allowed to take place in any suitable
venue, but until now the wearing of face
coverings has not been a requirement.
However, face coverings are not required in
restaurants with table service, bars, and pubs. If
certain indoor premises have a café or seating
area for you to eat and drink, such as larger
events venues or hotels, then visitors may
remove their face covering in this area only.
The new ruling applies only in England.w
One Industry, One Voice
gathers momentum
The crowdfunding drive launched in August for the One
Industry, One Voice awareness initiative has surpassed its
initial target of £30,000.
With £35,000 already pledged, more support is needed
to provide as much firepower as possible to the
#WeCreateExperiences campaign to aid the national and
regional press focus on the key positive messages. They
are: reassurance that the UK industry are global leaders
and therefore ready to deliver safely, inspiring the public
and corporate customers with its scope of live events that
touch so many people’s lives, and reminding them of the
positive impact these experiences have on wellbeing,
supporting society and the value to the economy.
Businesses employing fewer than 50 people and annual
turnover below £10m may pledge £250, while larger
organisations can contribute £500. Sole traders,
freelancers, and small companies are free contribute what
they can afford. Those who wish to contribute, or have
already pledged but have not yet paid, should visit www.
justgiving.com/crowdfunding/oneindustryonevoice
The campaign is being driven by a newly-formed Action
Group, led by the Business Visits and Events Partnership
(BVEP). The PR brief is being put out to tender in the first
week of September.
The movement was conceived by Smyle’s Rick Stainton,
who put the idea forward at Mash Media’s
#GetBritainMeeting summit in July and is fronted by BVEP.
The Action Group comprises: Simon Hughes, BVEP; Rick
Stainton, Smyle; Martin Fullard, Mash Media; Chetan Shah,
Micebook; Mike Kunheim, Jack Morton; Tim Collett, WRG;
Will Mould, XYZ; Jeremy Rees, ExCeL London; Michael
Wyrley-Birch, TRO; Nick Morgan, We Are The Fair; Simon
Tracey, Vibration Group; Dale Parmenter, DRPG; Anita
Howard, ICE; Claire Wormsley, The Media House; Carmen
Searle, Association of Event Organisers (AEO); Justin
Hammond, Maestra Group; Paul Stoddart, CWT; Sarah
Haywood, Sarah Haywood Events; Greg Lawson, Smart
Group; Charlotte Gentry, Pure Communications Group/
(EVCOM); Steve Squires, GetConnekted; Judy Elvey, MPI
UK&I; Andy Lenthall, PSA; and Michael Kill, NTIA.
9
News
DRPG has
commenced
work on its latest
warehouse
facility. The 1,394
sqm new build at
the group’s
Worcestershire
studio complex
will be completed
in December
2020 as part of
£6m investment.
Meet the businesses looking
for new opportunities.
Turn to page 38.
www.conference-news.co.uk