If the impact of Covid-19 means we are truly heading into a new era for global exhibitions, then we must do so with new regulations and best practices in place.

The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is in discussions with four associations comprising Thai Exhibition Association (TEA), Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Thai Hotels Association (THA) and Event Management Association (EMA) to assess safety and health guidelines for the industry, ensuring the industry’s health and safety management.

These guidelines and the hygienic discipline they introduce will be essential for the establishment of exhibitions in Thailand and the use of technology will enhance crowd control with trace and track system and will enable touchless experiences in the wake COVID-19 outbreak.

The guidelines also align with global standards set in place UFI’s Global Framework for Reopening Exhibitions. These address safety, social distancing, increased health and safety regulations, as well as the implementation of crowd control and the encouragement and enforcement regulations before, during, and after every event.

In addition, TCEB recently launched the support measure, ‘Simple Ways to Prevents the Spread of COVID-19 in your Meetings and Events’, aims to assist MICE venue operators as they upgrade the safety standard of their facilities and prepare the MICE industry to reopen the exhibitions. It includes the formulation of plans and the preparation of tools that fit measures relating to the screening and prevention of COVID-19 as stipulated by the Ministry of Public Health.

TCEB's Senior Vice President, Business, Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, said “the organisation is working closely with MICE associations. Their input enables TCEB to set in place a framework built around broadly accepted criteria, complete with concrete examples of good practice for trade show operations in Thailand.”

“A strong framework provides a compelling case for the recommencement and continuation of this vital industry. Of all the MICE events it is exhibitions that offer the greatest potential for driving economic and industrial growth. They make a significant economic contribution to Thailand and put simply; we must place health and safety protocols front and centre when it comes to planning for the recovery of this crucial industry.”

“The Ministry of Health recognise the importance of the exhibitions and considers to encourage exhibition to be reopened in June 2020. A total of 47 trade shows will follow the measure and apply this new way of working, prioritising health and safety. It becomes the new normal of Thailand’s exhibition.”