UFI (the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) and SISO (The Society of Independent Show Organizers) have launched the “The Show is Open” campaign to support the meetings and events industry as it weathers the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The campaign aims to support exhibition and event organizers around the world in the task of keeping events going wherever possible, in line with the guidance of health authorities and the interests of their customers.
“Exhibitions and events are essential to millions of businesses around the world. They exist to provide platforms for people and industries to meet, to trade, and to collaborate. Small and medium businesses in all industries in particular depend on exhibitions. And, like all types of events, they support the economy worldwide,“ said Mary Larkin, UFI president, in a written statement.
“Exhibitions and events are especially important in times of disruption. We stand to fulfill our obligation to maintain opportunities for people to meet wherever possible. As part of the exhibitions industry, we are committed to keep our exhibitions and events going around the world wherever we can do so,“ said Greg Topalian, SISO chair.
The campaign consists of material that UFI and SISO are making available to their respective memberships. They can add the visuals and text material to their ongoing communications around upcoming exhibitions – highlighting the fact that, while numerous exhibitions are being postponed or canceled, many shows are taking place successfully, the two organizations said.
The campaign materials are available for download here: www.supportingevents.org
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