Industry Resources for Staying Informed on the Coronavirus Outbreak

March 2, 2020

The COVID-19 coronavirus has now caused more than 3,000 deaths worldwide from a confirmed 89,253 cases. As this outbreak continues to lead to cancellations and postponements of business events, use these resources to stay informed on the latest news.

IAEE

Access the organization’s official statement as well as evolving resources on understanding novel coronavirus’ impact on the industry.

SISO

The Society of Independent Show Organizers is collecting resources and statements here addressing shows that are canceling or rescheduling, as well as news updates directly impacting events.

UFI

The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry launched this page dedicated to resources around coronavirus for the meetings industry. Find links to continuing news developments on coronavirus cases, official statements from UFI, travel advice, company advice and industry responses.

MPI

This page contains MPI’s official statement on COVID-19, as well as continually updated industry news and MPI news related to the spread of coronavirus and its impact on meetings.

EIC

Events Industry Council has aggregated insightful resources about how the coronavirus is impacting business events. It also has a link to a live tracker of the spread of the disease, latest updates from WHO and the CDC, and banners and social graphics you can use to communicate with your members.

JMIC

The Joint Meetings Industry Council provides statements from industry stakeholders, including JMIC President Kai Hattendorf, as well as aggregates media stories from Reuters and others.

PCMA

Visit PCMA’s website to access a guide to crisis management and recovery plans, as well as the latest news regarding the spread of coronavirus.

Meetings Mean Business

MMB has put up a coronavirus preparedness and response page with up-to-date resources and communications assistance for event professionals.

Destinations International

Suppliers can grab information regarding DI's statements on COVID-10, as well as updates from American Hotel & Lodging Association, Cruise Lines International Association, International Association of Venue Managers, and several airline associations.

Expo Database

View a continually updating list of all postponed or canceled trade fairs and exhibitions worldwide. As of Feb. 28, more than 400 shows are on the list.

JMIC

The Joint Meetings Industry Council has created a special coronavirus resources page to keep its members informed and updated on any COVID-19 developments.

U.S. Travel Association

View the latest guidance for travelers with regard to the coronavirus outbreak, as well as facts about COVID-19 and a guide for communicating healthy travel practices.

World Health Organization

This is a comprehensive page that includes rolling updates on the spread of the virus, as well as tips for protecting yourself, travel advice, situation reports and ongoing global research. Access this page for WHO recommendations with regard to planning mass events amidst the outbreak.

CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides many resources explaining what the COVID-19 virus is and how it spreads, as well as severity and risk assessment context.

 

Photo credit: Johns Hopkins CSSE

 

Do you have news to share regarding event cancellations or postponements due to coronavirus? Email us at kogletree@tsnn.com so we can share in our ongoing coverage of the situation.

 

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Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact