There have been several recent big steps taken that give an indication of a path forward here in the United States for the trade show industry to start up again soon.

Amongst the many initiatives, big hotel brands such as Hilton outlined new cleanliness standards and ISSA’s GBAC STAR accreditation program for venues to fight COVID-19 was released.

Overseas, the news is even more encouraging, with governments in both Germany and China paving the way for trade shows to open.

In addition, UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry released guidance on re-opening trade shows and B2B events post the emergence of COVID-19, and two trade shows, one in China and one in South Korea, opened their doors this past week.

Here are all of the above efforts outlined:

Hilton Outlines New Standards of Cleanliness Post-COVID-19

Hilton announced a new program to deliver an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection in Hilton properties around the world. In a first for the hospitality business, Hilton will collaborate with RB, maker of Lysol and Dettol, and consult with Mayo Clinic to develop elevated processes and Team Member training to help Hilton guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer stay from check-in to check-out.  Hilton CleanStay with Lysol protection, as the program will be called in North America, will be a rigorous system that incorporates RB’s trusted know-how and scientific approach to cleaning practices and product offerings. Experts from Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team will advise and assist in enhancing Hilton’s cleaning and disinfection protocols.

GBAC STAR Accreditation Program Launched to Address COVID-19 at Venues

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, unveiled its GBAC STAR facility accreditation program on cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention. GBAC STAR is an outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation. The program establishes requirements to assist facilities with work practices, protocols, procedures, and systems to control risks associated with infectious agents, such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

Three of the biggest convention centers in the United States – the Las Vegas Convention Center, Chicago’s McCormick Place and Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center – have signed on to achieve the new accreditation. Accreditation criteria and facility applications are now available at www.gbac.org.

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry releases guidance on re-opening trade shows and B2B events post the emergence of COVID-19.

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released a global framework aimed at the safe and controlled reopening of exhibitions and B2B trade events around the world. The document is intended to become a de facto standard in exchanges with policymakers and authorities around the world.

The framework is put together by a specialist taskforce of partners and industry leaders, whose operational recommendations reflect emerging regulatory conditions around the world. It provides an advocacy narrative on why exhibitions must be prioritized for reopening, which UFI is counting on industry stakeholders to endorse.

Chinese State Council Clears the Way to Restart Exhibitions

With strict prevention measures in place, shopping malls, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants should be all opened, reservations will be used for parks and tourism scenic spots, and indoor areas and closed entertainment places, such as libraries and cinemas will be allowed to hold conferences and exhibitions if necessary.

German Government Clears Path for Exhibitions

In its list of measures on dealing with the current COVID-19 pandemic, Germany has taken the step to segment “mass gatherings”, explicitly highlighting out trade shows and exhibitions as types of events that can be allowed again. While most types of mass gatherings remain banned in the country until the end of August, the 16 German states now have authority to give the go-ahead for trade shows and exhibitions, based on a number of preconditions being met – like a limitation of participants, and approved health and safety measures.

As the first German state, North Rhine-Westphalia has decided that it intends to allow topical (i.e. B2B) trade shows and congresses to run from May 30 if (yet to be specified) conditions are met.

Shows Opening in Asia:

The Hunan (China) Auto Show Opened last week and drew 62,000 visitors

The 53th MBC Construction EXPO / Dong-A Public Facilities & Landscape EXPO 2020 is open May 8-11 in Seoul, South Korea in the KINTEX center

View the recap of our recent industry live Twitter #Expochat - Topic: “Where’s the Beef? A Real Conversation on Industry Initiatives”