The UK’s First Non-Socially Distanced Conference – Are Events Back? 

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13 May 2021

As the first non socially distanced conference was held in the UK last week, it seems that events are on their way to returning. 

As part of a research programme to test safely reopening the events industry, the Good Business Festival took place at the ACC Liverpool conference venue. Around 270 delegates attended, with a requirement to take a lateral flow test 24 hours prior to the event. 

Other events included in the pilot programme are the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium and the Brit Awards at The O2

Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston, who also spoke at the conference, told AV Magazine: “As the first live, in-person business event that has taken place in the UK this year – this is an important landmark in the recovery of the sector from the pandemic – and everyone involved should feel proud about the part they are playing.”

Managing and Mitigating COVID Risk

Researchers at the events will gather evidence associated with different settings and approaches to managing and mitigating transmission risk. 

The pilots will explore different approaches to social distancing, ventilation and test-on-entry protocols. COVID-status certification will also be trialled as part of the pilot programme. 

Researchers will also be at the venues to monitor crowd movements and study attendee behaviour in these environments.

It is hoped data gathered from these events as part of the Research Programme will help to shape how venues operate safely post-June 21st.

Alan Jenkins, Managing Director of Quadrant2Design, an exhibition and events contractor commented:

"Despite COVID having a devastating impact on the events industry over the last year, it has highlighted how central events are in many people’s lives, something that was maybe taken for granted before.  

"The rediscovered appreciation for events means the industry is set to boom. while earlier events may maintain some precautions, such as hand sanitiser,  closer control on the ticketing of free events and some social distancing, for the most part, events will feel as they did pre-COVID and will be well-attended."   

Back to Networking – Summer Rooftop BBQ Party 2021

ThisWeekinFM is pleased to announce that they will be hosting a special outdoor networking party, to welcome the industry back to the events.

You can enjoy networking with a view, at The Deck private rooftop bar and café, located on the 7th floor of Office Space in Town’s flagship business centre, overlooking the banks of the River Thames. 

It's the perfect setting for enjoying a delicious barbecue and networking with industry peers, whilst taking in the stunning views of the city.

Find out more and book your tickets here. 

Picture: a photograph of the rooftop bar at The Deck

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 13 May 2021

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