Coronavirus and Meetings
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The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has announced that Global Meetings Industry Day, scheduled for April 14, 2020, will be postponed. The events industry coalition determined that the international day of advocacy, aimed at spotlighting the positive impact of face-to-face meetings on businesses and the economy, could not go forward as planned in light of the current COVID-19 crisis.
"[N]ew meeting restrictions, travel bans and social distancing protocols make it impossible to move forward at this time," wrote MMBC in a statement. "We are living in a world of great uncertainty and while we look forward to the moment when everyone who wants to participate in GMID can do so safely and confidently, we are not there yet."
The decision came as the CDC has urged that all events of 50 people or more be suspended, President Donald Trump urged against gatherings of 10 or more, and many countries and states have prohibited large gatherings.
"In light of recent guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and local public health authorities, the Meetings Mean Business Coalition – along with our global industry partners – will postpone Global Meetings Industry Day," stated the organization.
Last year's event was a big success, bringing together numerous industry advocates and decision makers in the areas of business and policy, with 275 registered GMID events taking place across six continents and 50 countries. These included rallies, award presentations, panel discussions and more and "we were on track to exceed those numbers and generate record participation online," said the coalition.
Though MMBC did not provide a new date, it urged industry members to "keep an eye out for continued updates and ways to stay involved."
"We are assured that health and safety experts will continue to point us in the right direction," stated the organization. "When the day comes to reunite as an industry, we are confident that the world will exhibit a renewed appreciation for human connectivity and the power that face-to-face meetings bring to people, businesses and communities."