The Association of Event Venues (AEV), Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and Event Suppliers and Services Association (ESSA) are supporting the UK government’s effort to contain and control the coronavirus situation. In a joint statement, the three trade associations say they are continuing to advise members to implement business continuity plans incorporating advice from the most reliable and trustworthy sources, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and others.
However, the associations say they are seeking further support from the government ahead of what they say is a “critical time” ahead of the busy Spring season.
The statement read: “From the onset, association members have been able to share knowledge and information in real-time, sharing concerns and potential solutions, as well as accessing the most current and authoritative information from numerous official bodies and agencies.
“In addition, the three associations have also been relaying member and industry concerns to the government, emphasising that whilst the industry is committed to public safety, they are facing unprecedented challenges in reassuring their customers that events are still happening and are safe to attend according to the current advice from the Chief Medical Officer and other authorities.
“We welcome the significant work undertaken by the government to date, to provide reassurance, including the creation of the Coronavirus Action Plan. However, members of all three associations are already encountering businesses who are implementing travel bans, and customers who are deciding to delay or reverse their attendance decisions, in anticipation of events being cancelled.
“We are specifically seeking support from the UK Government to help reassure our customers, as we enter a critical time in the spring show season. We are seeking some positive public messaging in line with current advice from the Chief Medical Officer, outlining that people should remain confident in attending organised events, and there are no greater risks associated with attending events than any other significant gathering of people, such as public transport. This advice reflects private messaging received by the industry from the Chief Medical Officer.
“As well as engaging in existing meetings and groups we have written to the prime minister, minister for tourism, business secretary and secretary of state for international trade, seeking support and meetings at the highest level to provide more information and elaborate on our industry’s challenges.
“This is having profound and serious consequences for our industry, and we are determined to support and assist our members in meeting this fast-moving challenge, at what is a busy time of year for the whole event industry.”
