Covid 19 has impacted MICE Sector worldwide irrespective of the market size and geographical location. Every aligned sector is also facing the heat out of this outbreak. Mice Affairs speaks to industry leaders to collect their views and suggestions for others to follow. Mr. Phil Chung who is the CEO of Kinexin Convention Management expresses views on the same. Sachin from Mice Affairs joins the conversation

As everyone from the MICE, Travel, Exhibitions and Hospitality industry thinks "We thought we had prepared for any disaster - hurricane, flood,fire, even terrorist attack. "But", "We never

imagined the amount of damage Covid 19 could cause. Within days it put us out of business."

M.A. to P.C.: Covid 19 has taken over all business worldwide. Exhibition or MICE are impacted badly. What do you think about this unexpected challenge?

P.C. : This kind of pandemic and epidemic can happen any time. Each country needs to conduct relevant bench marking on all possible pandemic preventive measures,In Korea, we've quickly started corona virus drive through test which takes only 10 minutes for every suspected individual to get tested at the drive through testing station without even getting off of his car. This kind of quick measure is now quickly diminishing the level of risk and now Korea's passing its know how to many other countries like USA, Japan, etc. Also, organizers are advised to plan pandemic and epidemic prevention related trade shows and conferences soon, which will be a lasting item. It can be a wonderful B2C/education item, also.

M.A: Is there any recovery plan or plan B for exhibition Business?

P.C. :I saw many organizers postpone their shows, some organizers are just moving forward, it depends. But the industry should be recovered and robust again soon.

M.A.: At the time of such outbreak, there are some promotions about digital events. What’s your take on such services? Do they hold good for exhibition business?

P.C.: Digital events are now new solutions, they are already common way of working these days, they are relevant for video conference calls for small size conferences, but you cannot patiently focus heavily on digital events or trade shows for a long time with its limited solutions and uncomfortable presentations, you will end up going to see the products and hear details at the trade show venue in the end, so digital solutions are considered as a temporary methodology used on an adhoc basis, digital solutions are not an alternative but an additional factor that enriches the physical trade show and convention experiences as back-up supports.

M.A. :Share key message for the industry?

P.C. :We should stay strong without losing much momentum for the industry, and need to work out a emergency solution like this.