Virtual shows are a necessity for now, but our industry depends on trade fairs. Packaging MEA Chief Editor Ben Daniel looks at the realities and possibilities of the live events scene returning vs. digital events.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected almost every country and most major industries. Packaging is no exception. Many live events have been cancelled or postponed, interrupting existing business, and some schools and universities have shut, hampering the progress of the next generation. Furthermore, many people involved in the packaging industry occupy roles that cannot be performed remotely, causing further disruption if offices or factories are closed or workers must self-isolate.
The effects of the outbreak on our industry will be pronounced, both in real terms and also in a less quantifiable fashion when bearing in mind nobody knows how long this situation will last, or if it will worsen. But for any business to remain successful, it must be adaptable, and there will be ample opportunities for us to take lessons from this ordeal.
Key events in the packaging industry have been postponed or called off, but we are determined to take the positives, and will use the time freed up in our calendars to look forward. We will keep our readers, partners and advertisers informed of any news that affects them, ensure you are updated about publication schedules, distribution and events, and speak with key players in the field.
While smaller epidemics such as Sars, Ebola, swine flu and many influenzas did scare us in the past, they all mellowed down without causing disruption on anything like this scale. But Covid-19 has been a behemoth, bringing millions into its clutches and crippling even the most powerful economies. The big question remains: Are major international trade fairs such as Drupa. Interpack, Labelexpo, K and regional trade shows going to survive?
Almost all exhibitions have in some way or the other switched to virtual platforms for the time being, but packaging machine manufacturers and suppliers still need to exhibit their innovations and technologies, and the preferred way to do so is through physical exhibitions and events.
As it can’t be known when that will again be possible, at least on a routine basis, most companies have started open house and virtual platforms, while some have looked at other ways to connect with clients. Many events wiped from the 2020 calendar have been rescheduled. This may ease mid to long-term impacts, but “even short-term postponements have an immediate impact because they delay scheduled business and revenues”, says Christian Druart, UFI Research Manager. “This poses an existential risk, in particular for small and medium-sized companies. “These numbers stress the critical importance exhibitions play in any economic recovery – marketplaces and meeting places are the fastest fast track to drive any economic recovery”, says Kai Hattendorf, Managing Director / CEO at UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry “We rely on the joint efforts from policymakers and global leaders to ensure the companies that organise these events, creating those necessary market and meeting places, will be able to continue to fulfil that role. These companies are already suffering massively under the current wave of postponements and cancellations.”
There is a strong sense of something missing without these world class physical events. They are so wonderful to attend, learn and be part of the fraternity at large. Virtual events may be a necessity for now, but they alone cannot sustain us. A hybrid of physical and virtual events could become the norm. So, should these rescheduled events go ahead, I would certainly attend most of them. I hope to see you all there.
