to be open , the timings that they ’ re open . It ’ s no good if they close at five , if your build is till 10 and everybody needs to go and have dinner somewhere .
“ And having a quieter space , having space with tables and chairs , so people can sit down and have their lunch , having tea and coffee , making facilities and all this kind of stuff .
“ Everyone should take a minute and make sure the basics are in place – like having toilets open , and to be able to get a cup of tea .” not dealing with this at the moment ’, or they ’ re a lot more open about discussing it .”
“ I think safety often gets a bit of a bad rap because you think “ health and safety says no , you can ’ t do it ”.
“ Through Covid-19 health and safety teams have been thrust into the forefront of everyone ’ s minds and really showed how important safety can be to business confidence . I ’ d like to hope that safety is no longer seen as the ‘ no department ’, but that it has allowed us to put together plans and processes and to build that business confidence to enable us to and open up again .
“ I think we really have been able to show that we can enable business , by showing that events are safe .”
Practicalities Small changes to working on the build and breakdown of exhibitions can make a huge
“ I think we really have been able to show that we can enable business , by showing that events are safe .”
difference to team ’ s welfare Dengate says .
“ I think we ’ ve all looked at what can we do to improve everyone ’ s welfare when we ’ re on site and a sub group of the H & S working group has looked at some practical solutions , and we have produced some guidance , a minimum standard that can be used during the planning process . It looks at what catering outlets are going
Future As we hopefully move past the peak of Covid-related cancellations , there are now developments on the horizon that could affect teams . Incoming Protect Duty legislations and advances in alternate energy will both bring imminent changes . “ As with Covid-19 I am certain that the industry will come together and find practical and appropriate solutions ,” Dengate says .
“ As an industry we have proven that we can open events safely using the All Secure guidance which is based on a risk assessment approach . One thing , that ’ s still a Covid-19 consideration is business continuity . If you have a team that goes down with Covid-19 , do you have a plan ?”
Teamwork By sharing knowledge organisers can prepare their teams for the future of technological innovation and new legislation . “ By having these discussions with other organisers , venues and industry suppliers , we are able to share , ‘ we did this and it worked , or it didn ’ t work ’. “ Safety considerations often cut through any corporate confidentiality . We ’ re just trying to raise standards and make our events safe for everyone . “ I ’ m always so impressed with the amazing sharing attitudes we see within the group which benefits everyone .” By working together the industry can stay happy and healthy . EN
October — 21