Coronavirus and Meetings
Head here to see Northstar Meetings Group’s comprehensive and continuing coverage of how coronavirus is affecting meetings.
It didn't take long for our industry to find a higher purpose for empty spaces. As the U.S. battles a surge in COVID-19 patients, vacant convention centers are quickly being repurposed as hospitals and hotels are serving as quarantine spaces and homeless shelters.
Among the many venues heeding the desperate call for more beds is New York's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, which has paused a spectacular expansion project to transform into a 2,000-bed complex to care for the city's non-COVID-19 patients. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is constructing four 250-bed temporary hospitals inside the venue, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gets to work on a fifth, 1,000-bed facility at the site.
"This was never an intended use, but you do what you have to do," said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has worked tirelessly to meet the dire and immediate needs of his state. "That's the New York way. That's the American way."
Our Unsung Heroes
The coronavirus crisis hits close to home -- not just for those afflicted, but also for the millions who have been laid off in the travel industry. Job loss in travel-related fields is projected to hit 5.9 million by the end of April, according to the U.S. Travel Association.
Among the first to go, as hotels and venues shut down, are the front-line workers — those preparing meals, cleaning rooms and keeping venues operating smoothly — who are the backbone of our business. "There are all these hardworking, unsung heroes in our industry," said Mary Jo Valentine Blythe, founder and CEO of The Above and Beyond Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and rewarding those who so dutifully serve our industry from behind the scenes.
TAABF quickly launched Helping Hospitality, a fundraising effort to provide immediate relief to those suddenly unemployed. As of this week, donations had reached $40,000 and grants of $500 per person were being disseminated.
So much more is needed. TAABF will continue accepting donations to provide additional grants in the weeks and months to come. "The more we get, the more we'll give," said Blythe.
One Community
Amid this crisis, we're seeing the best of humankind across the globe. In New York, 40,000 medical professionals have volunteered to staff overrun hospitals and 6,000 mental health professionals are providing free online counseling.
And there is hope on the horizon. Consider the promising signs of recovery in the travel industry in China and other corners of the globe.
We too will come through this with resolve and compassion. For now, please take care of your families and take care of yourselves.
How are you coping? How can we help? Please let me know.