The Corona or the Covid-19 pandemic has been a destructor like none before. There is no industry any where in the world, that hasn't been badly hit, except probably the healthcare sector, and the factories which have suddenly started manufacturing face masks, sanitizers, disinfectants and such other.
However, businesses worldwide now, need to open up and start functioning to stay afloat and survive. And for that they need to meet people, and discuss. The best platform for that, so far as international business is concerned at least, is the humble exhibition or the trade show. The problem is that the moment we talk about international trade shows, we have to talk about air travel across borders, we have to talk about hotel stays, and we have to talk about the crowds at the venue. What we are effectively talking about is close interaction with potential virus carriers, and a potential spread of the corona virus. We could do away with participating at the fairs, or visiting them, but then that would mean the end of profitable business for many. So it is really a very difficult trade-off, one which does not offer any easy answers.
Thankfully, as the virus gets controlled in most parts of Europe, the area it hit the hardest till a month back. things are looking up. There are fewer postponements and cancellations. Participation at the next few fairs might be a little lower than usual. The visitors might not come in as huge numbers as is normal. But with things normalizing for most part, the exhibitions coming up in Europe, might be the harbingers of good news for many. Precautions will need to be taken, planing will have to be more intense, and there will be many new normals. But things will get back to normal.
Hopefully by September 2020, the exhibition and trade show sector, in Europe will be booming again, and will lead to many more business deals and many more happy stories. Looking forward to it!!
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