The implementation of the government ’ s Plan B at the end of last year dealt a hefty blow to the events industry . After an unbelievably busy autumn when businesses had frantically pulled out all the stops – recruited new teams , worked around the clock and juggled schedules - to bring exhibitions back , trade suddenly fell off a cliff . The unintended consequences of the government ’ s cautious communications , including its work from home directive , plus the media ’ s intense coverage and concerns of the transmissibility of the new variant , were that anything that was an extension of the workplace – trade shows mainly – was now a no-go for many . Restrictions weren ’ t in place but they may as well have been as low confidence
Consideration is key to a successful return to events
After an unexpectedly quiet few weeks for the sector due to many postponements , Andrew Harrison , of the Event Supplier and Services Association ( ESSA ) implores all event organisers , venues and the supplier community to take a sympathetic and pragmatic approach as business returns to ensure the safe and successful delivery of events for all
Andrew Harrison
“ Thankfully , suppliers to events and exhibitions are a resilient and resourceful bunch .” led to many postponements in January and February .
For so many of us in the supply chain there was a sense of déjà vu . It felt like we had returned to March 2020 . However , this time it was potentially significantly worse with comment from government that nothing had really changed and we must trade on . There would be even less financial support for business owners , employees or freelancers when financial reserves were already severely depleted for many businesses .
The Herculean efforts displayed by the sector to bring people back and put events on from the summer through to December now started to feel a little hollow for many in the supply chain as the uncertainty of the new year unfolded and the prospect of little to no work
February — 55