ICCA calls for unity and pragmatism in the face of coronavirus challenge

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) President has released the following statement to members as coronavirus continued to threaten meetings and events: The COVID-19 virus has spread further globally, with 81,109 cases confirmed across 37 countries (WHO). ICCA is in touch with all members affected and will make every effort to help and support them. We encourage our member-suppliers and associations to be pragmatic in these challenging times but to also share positive messages where possible. Big events are continuing to take place in their destinations, despite worries and complications brought from the COVID-19 outbreak. To boost the meetings industry during this difficult period, we should send out encouraging messages to show we are united, resilient and confident as an industry. Although we are in a period of uncertainty, we must look forward and proceed as best we can, working together to ensure all member-suppliers and association’s well-being and safety is at the forefront of our decision making, while trying to continue with upcoming activities. We should be prepared for negative messaging about the need for people to meet face-to-face, but where this is not possible we must collaborate and bring solutions to maintain the exchange of information, as we believe the international meetings industry can have a role in finding the solution to the outbreak. We have further analysed the impact of meetings and sectors and I am sure this will be beneficial to our members. Let’s remain united and work together to overcome the challenges that COVID-19 presents. Senthil Gopinath, ICCA CEO.