If you've not had the chance to see it yet please see the link (https://www.ukhospitality.org.uk/page/UKHospitalityGuidanceforHospitality) for the guidance that currently includes the specific guidance developed by the MIA for conferences and meetings and a link to the eagerly awaited guidance from the AEO for exhibitions and trade shows, which is still in final review but we hope will be available early next week.
Great work from so many people - and that work continuing as we understand that a FAQ section is in development to help with the many anomalies that have been spotted so far. So very much a living document subject to revision and additions.
We are planning to set up a Partners update for the end of next week or start of week commencing 6th July - just checking availability with executive team now. We are also working on supporting a submission bring prepared for the Culture Secretary The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP.
Officials have requested thoughts on a phased programme of re-opening and types of events that might feature in each phase. There was also a suggestion that some events still on the books might be run as pilot events.
Having consulted widely across all the different sectors, there is general agreement that some type of phasing might be a practical way of re-opening the event industry. There are indications that this is the kind of approach being developed in Scotland.
However all the guidance we have produced is based on establishing risk assessments for each individual event regardless of size, type, format or venue. So piloting events will not be acceptable to businesses that are desperate for a start date. We need to get going as soon as possible.
So more engagement with officials is required to support these efforts. However that is subject to getting a clear and concise answer to the following question:
Why is the events industry being legally prevented from returning to delivering the economic impact this country desperately needs to recover and renew?
I look forward to sharing the answer to this question as soon as I have it.
Simon Hughes