Exhibition World Issue 1 — 2020 | Page 5

Welcome Testing times temper the event industry steel It may be the Year of the Rat, that fleet-footed rodent that comes first in the repeating Lunar Calendar mythology, but one may be forgiven for questioning some of the legend and magic attached. These include the Rat’s so-called ‘vitality’, cruelly ironic given the seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak in China in January. As we went to press, millions of Chinese citizens were confined to their homes rather than travelling to celebrate the New Year. And it is not just the locals of Hubei Province, where the virus was first identified, that have been suffering. Tradeshows in public venues have been suspended or cancelled across China, travel restrictions have been introduced within the country and checks on Chinese travelling abroad introduced. It all goes to show what a delicate world we live in, and what a fragile and precious industry we work in. I remember the global recession of 2008-2010 and how it hit our events industry hard, dishing out some painful lessons in the process. If there is one thing that eventprofs are used to, however, it is uncertainty. Our experience has honed our ability to take action in times of crisis. Indeed, the profession regularly comes in the top five most stressful professions in surveys around the world. I think, as this current crisis plays out, it does the events industry credit to see it standing by international colleagues, being open about the problems (and a vast improvement in previous ‘secretive’ behaviour on the part of Chinese authorities of the past) and finding long-term solutions. Indeed Chinese scientists were prompt to release the genetic sequence of the virus online. In contrast, it took five months to find the genetic material for the Sars virus back in 2002. Shenzhen World has had to turn away its first exhibitions, a real thunderstorm on its exhibition parade. It’s time will come, and let’s hope that organisers stay loyal to the destinations and venues that have served them so well in good times, and return to run bigger and better shows when conditions permit. I hope that those struggling with issues seemingly beyond their control, take comfort from the fellowship of the events industry. And for those looking for advice to navigate difficult waters, turn to your associations and government advisories. Paul Colston Managing Editor Twitter: @ExhibitionWorld @paulcolston Publishing Director: Simon Farnfield; Managing Editor: Paul Colston; Global Account Director: Iain Stirling; Global Account Manager: Jon Howell; News Reporter: Stuart Wood; Graphic Designer: Kateryna Smirnova; Production Manager: Elizabeth Nixon. Contact us: Subscriptions:[phone], Editorial: [phone], Advertising: [phone], Production:[phone]. Exhibition World is published by Mash Media, Second floor, Applemarket House, 17 Union Street, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1RP, UK. Tel: [phone] fax: [phone], Email: [email protected] Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the publishers. Printed by Pensord Press Ltd. w w w.exhibitionworld.co.uk Issue 1 2020 5