Event Tech Poised to Take Center Stage Amid Virus Impact on Meetings Biz
Photo Credit: The meetings and events industry is feeling the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Unsplash / Romain V.
Skift Take
Global trade show cancellations have eclipsed the 500 mark, causing a major economic impact on the events industry. All eyes are now turning to event tech to connect audiences and help companies track the status of their own meetings.
The meetings and events industry is struggling to maintain business as usual due to the coronavirus outbreak, with UFI, a global exhibition association, estimating more than 500 trade shows being canceled or rescheduled across the world. In Europe alone, the economic impact is immense, with lost output currently at $16.5 billion due to canceled events — a figure that is expected to grow.
The World Health Organization now recommends social distancing (maintaining at least three feet between individuals) on top of its other hygiene recommendations, adding to the uncertainty felt by event organizers on how to proceed with scheduling. Many are turning to virtual event platforms, which are receiving a huge burst of interest from plann