Industry associations combine efforts to tackle coronavirus threat

AIPC, ICCA, UFI and SISO are joining forces in their efforts to tackle the threat of the coronavirus. All four associations are promoting the industry-wide global campaign ‘This event is open for business’. The campaign was originally launched on 4 March by UFI and SISO, but has now been joined by other major industry associations keen to spread the message of resilience. It aims to highlight the fact that despite some cancellations or postponements, many events around the world are still taking place as planned. AIPC is the International Association of Convention Centres, ICCA the International Congress and Convention Association, and UFI the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. SISO is the Society of Independent Show Organisers. Aloysius Arlando, President of AIPC, commented: “While our primary concern now is the health and safety of our staff and customers, we also need to keep in mind that the events we host will play a key part in driving the economic recovery to follow. We are pleased to be collaborating in a campaign and an alliance that emphasizes that point.” James Rees, ICCA President added: “As part of the G3 Alliance ICCA sees it as vital that, whilst COVID-19 is causing significant disruption, it is important that we highlight the fact that many events are taking place worldwide and delivering great outcomes for their stakeholders, often adapting their programmes to suit current circumstances. ICCA is very supportive of this campaign and collaboration is more important than ever at this time.” Mary Larkin, UFI President, commented: “WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that, in dealing with the global coronavirus outbreak, our greatest assets are facts, reason and solidarity. This is what the campaign is about, and this is what makes it great that we will work jointly on this as well.” For the most up to date information about the coronavirus, visit: The campaign website: www.supportingevents.org ICCA’s website: www.iccaworld.org/covid-19/ UFI’s website www.ufi.org/coronavirus