Exhibition World Issue 2 — 2020 | Page 5

Welcome Time to be resourceful: Together Strong Well that accelerated quickly. Following some weeks of trying to keep events alive as coronavirus swept across our world, and then seeing our associations rallying our eventprof troops to ensure our governments realise our industry’s value (in all its forms), at time of writing we find ourselves in a critical phase, with many of us working from home as our industry, among most others, is locked down. As our brave doctors and nurses battle the coronavirus on the front line, some of our esteemed venues are also pitching into the fight, with IFEMA Madrid joining a growing list that includes ExCeL London, Messe Wien, Javits Center, Karachi Expo, Tehran’s IIEC, and many others, in transforming into temporary hospitals to ease pressure on existing health services. It is a time to remember we are not alone. As ICCA President James Rees put it nicely:’ Stand togther while we are apart’. Ravinder Sethi and the team at IELA have also highlighted a similar theme, with their ‘Together Strong’ slogan. Let’s flex those muscles exhibition people (with the gyms closed in many places we need to keep fit for sure). I for one am finding some new ‘event tech muscles’ to try out, being a convert to video conferencing 2020 and the latest webinar tech (and do read Stuart Wood’s article on pages 24-25 for some ideas to keep your events out in the ether at least, while they may be physically suspended). We can surely also learn much from each other and what is out there on the market to ease our situation until the virus subsides. It is a time for education and ideas. While virtual communications may benefit more the conference and meetings side of our broader industry, exhibition organisers, too, can use it to stay close to their markets, albeit the idea of direct replacements online does seem challenging to say the least. I would urge you to tap into all the resources of your local industry associations and, first and foremost UFI, and do read Kai Hattendorf’s wise words on p.10. Now could also be time for taking damage limitation measures that may just save your business; and a time for sharing experiences. A problem shared, and all that… Here at Mash Media we have opened a new online Forum for problem-sharing and discussing information and opinions. Do join in. Details on page 20. In our global exhibition community we may all be at different stages of coping with the Covid-19 threat but that means we can certainly learn from and help each other. Most importantly, stay safe and get ready to restart strongly when the time comes. 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 2 2020 5