Bigger and better
Jeremy Rees , chief executive officer at ExCeL London , gives a venue ’ s view on the reopening of the exhibitions sector
It goes without saying that Covid-19 has affected all of us personally and professionally in ways we could never have imagined and the impact , not only for our industry , but for society as a whole , has been truly devastating .
However , with a clear ( ish ) roadmap beginning to emerge and a timetable that enables us to get back to business , it is time to look to the future .
One of my observations is how we have united as an industry , worked alongside one-time competitors and joined together to lobby Government . Our industry associations have done a fantastic job to ensure that our voice has been heard and have continued to work tirelessly on our behalf . Mash Media have also been great
Jeremy Rees , chief executive officer , ExCeL London ambassadors , supporting the sector ’ s plight over the last year . We should also be enormously proud of the full role we have played in helping to navigate the crisis , with the opening of numerous Nightingale hospitals , testing facilities and vaccination centres .
Over the next two years , I think we will see a game of two halves . There is no question that there is a huge desire to meet in person and reconnect with customers face-to-face . I think we can look forward to reopening in 2021 but it will be in spite of Covid-19 , not because it ’ s gone away .
Initially , there will be caution and we will need to work together to instill confidence and deliver safe , organised events that still offer a memorable and inspiring experience . By 2022 , I believe the landscape will feel more ‘ normalised ’ with limited restrictions and more opportunities to welcome back international visitors .
We all know that events will be vital in reigniting the economy . Whether everyone else understands that is still debatable . The reopening of events provides a unique opportunity to reposition our sector , demonstrating the value and economic impact we
have both on the show floor and off it . By working even more closely with travel , transport , accommodation and hospitality providers , we can restart the visitor economy , increase job opportunities and drive investment into destinations up and down the UK .
Demand for future events is strong and the desire to get back to business is overwhelmingly positive . To support this demand , work is under way to add significant new capacity to ExCeL . We have begun a public consultation and will shortly submit a planning application for expansion to the venue . This investment demonstrates our confidence in the future of live events and of London , as a compelling place to visit and trade in .
As we emerge from the pandemic , I believe events will still provide the best opportunity to make new connections and forge meaningful relationships . They will remain a catalyst for positive change , where innovation , ideas and moments happen that transform our lives for the better . They will also give us what we are craving the most : faceto-face interaction and contact with our friends , colleagues and peers . I , for one , cannot wait .
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