“The social brain is in its natural habitat when we’re talking to someone face-to-face in real time.”
~ Daniel Goleman
Hello Supporters,
You’ve likely heard how MAGIC Pop Up Orlando, WWIN Orlando Showcase and OFFPRICE Orlando Market co-located in Orlando last month to provide a critical buying opportunity for the fashion industry. That showcase received a good deal of attention (including this article from TSNN), due to its ability to keep participants safe and operate successfully in the current climate.
The event was guided and organized in accordance with the CDC-approved exhibitions-industry All Secure Guidelines, which prioritizes enhanced cleaning and hygiene, physical distancing and protecting participants through the use of PPE. These measures included:
- Mandatory face masks at all times
- Daily temperature checks prior to entering show floor
- Physical distancing requirements as directed by local health authority and government guidance both on the show floor and in public spaces
- Continuous sanitization and deep cleaning measures, especially in high-touch areas, across all shows
This showcase also proved that, with strict enforcement of protocols, we can do business safely. These are the kinds of examples that help us make a strong case for reopening events across the nation, so please join us in highlighting this success story by sharing our new video.
It’s Time To Get Our Message Out
With this momentum building, now is the time to make sure our voices are heard. As part of that effort, Exhibitions and Conventions Alliance (ECA) board member and IAEE Executive Vice President and COO Cathy Breden joined Executive Director of OFFPRICE Trade Show Tricia Barglof, SISO Executive Director and co-president of ECA David Audrain and me to discuss the comeback of conventions in Las Vegas on KNPR: Nevada Public Radio.
It appears that Washington is finally hearing our message as well. Last week, Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), along with Representatives Steven Horsford (NV-04), Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) introduced the Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act of 2021. Section Two of this bill is specifically designed to support the trade show and convention industry. As major advocates of this bill, we will be calling on you in the coming weeks to reach out to your legislators and encourage them to support it. The passage of this legislation will be a major step toward the recovery of both our industry and our country’s economy—but it will take all of us working together to help our lawmakers understand just how important it is.
As we continue to amplify our message, the value of face-to-face events is becoming clearer to those outside our industry ( Forbes even reported on the importance of trade shows in a post-pandemic world). This progress is due in large part to your continued support—thank you for staying with us on this long journey. While it’s not over by any means and we still have work to do, it does feel good to know that some events are happening safely and that, together, we will ensure their return.
Stay safe and stay strong,
Sue Sung Freeman
#GoLIVETogether