Response to the coronavirus COVID-19 is changing rapidly in France, where gatherings of 1,000 or more attendees have been banned until further notice.
We spoke with Gerard Reus, president of the MPI France-Switzerland chapter, about the affect of COVID-19 on meetings and events, and what steps planners and suppliers can take to make informed decisions about how to proceed with their events. Here's what he had to say.
How is COVID-19 impacting meetings and events in France?
The French event and meeting industry employs 335,000 people and hosts 77 million visitors each year—delegates or attendees participating in fairs, shows, congresses and corporate events organized in France—which represents up to 20 billion euros in revenue for those involved in such events.
The impact is tremendous and led to the postponement or cancellation of events such as MIPIM and MIPTV in Cannes, the Paris Book Fair, the World Tattoo Fair, the Paris half-marathon and marathon and numerous concerts and shows everywhere in France. Many companies have asked their employees to minimize travelling and work remotely which has contributed to the postponement of many events.
What measures are being taken to prevent the virus from spreading further?
After the ban on public gatherings of more than 5,000 people until April 15th, the government lifted the ban on rallies of more than 1,000 people yesterday, March 8th. This would particularly concern cultural establishments, tourist places, movie theatres and performance halls, as well as sporting events in enclosed areas or outdoors when the number of participants and spectators exceeds 1,000 people. Several events, the list of which is subject to change, could derogate from this rule: political meetings, protest demonstrations, competitions and public transportation. All venues have implemented procedures and equipment in place such as hydroalcoholic gel dispensers or tissue towels replaced by disposable paper towels.
What steps should planners who have events booked in France within the next few months do before deciding whether or not to cancel?
Event organizers should initiate discussions with their stakeholders and come up with the alternative option for hosting the event.
What measures can be taken to protect attendees from the virus with regard to events that are still happening?
Planners who go ahead must be acting in compliance with the recommendations and measures established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the competent French authorities and acknowledged expert bodies such as the Institut Pasteur. Planners are taking all necessary measures to ensure the health security of those attending their events, including the introduction of specific filtering measures at entry points, sanitary checks, public awareness initiatives, the provision of protective equipment and the implementation of on-site medical services. Attendees can find out about general information and recommendations at the various entry points and at the event’s information desks. They will also find protective equipment such as masks or hydroalcoholic solutions, products available for the rapid and effective inactivation of a wide range of microorganisms that may be present on their hands.
How can others in the industry offer support to MICE events in France?
French Economy Minister, Bruno Le Maire, said this morning, "I know the event and meeting industry is one of the most affected sectors. I call on all large corporations to show solidarity and pay for services, even if there is no service or not to ask for a refund of the deposit if an event is canceled." The French government has planned to implement a simplification of the partial activity, the deferral of tax charges or the tax relief for disaster affected stakeholders.
Where should people look for real-time information on the status of COVID-19 in France?
The French Government updates its recommendations on the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ website https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en.
The latest news on https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coronavirus-advice-for-visitors-to-france/
About our sector, the UNIMEV association site offers very complete information in French https://www.unimev.fr.
