Sound & Communications: With which health organizations have ISE show organizers been in contact?
Mike Blackman: We are closely monitoring the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) as well as the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). Additionally, we are working closely with our partners at the the RAI, which ensures an additional layer of consultation with Dutch carrier KLM and local health authorities.
Readers can keep up directly with the RAI by checking out their latest news here: www.rai.nl/en/.
Sound & Communications: What specific recommendations, if any, have those health organizations made?
Blackman: The information is evolving, and we are actively staying up to date. Now named the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and considered a Public Health Emergency of National Concern, the guidance as of right now is not meant to limit global travel or business. The WHO advises limiting exposure and transmission, which ISE is following where it relates to the exhibition. This means preventative measures for avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections, and recommendations for hygiene such as frequently cleaning hands, following proper etiquette for sneezing and coughing, and, most importantly, seeking medical attention should you observe symptoms of acute respiratory infection.
While we do not minimize the threat, we want to stress the importance of acting on reputable information. We are not the experts, and we will not make assumptions based on hearsay or speculation; we have to follow the guidelines given by authorized authorities and act as recommended by them.
Sound & Communications: What continuing steps is ISE management taking to actively monitor this evolving situation?
Blackman: The health and well-being of both our exhibitors and attendees is our top priority, and we will continue to monitor and adapt our advice accordingly.
Sound & Communications: Was any consideration given to postponing or canceling ISE 2020? If so, why was that step decided against?
Blackman: No. We have not considered postponing or canceling at this time. We are aware that a number of airlines are reviewing their flight schedules, with many flights to and from China being cancelled. So, we do expect a reduced presence from Chinese attendees. We continue to be in close liaison with our Chinese exhibitors during this fast-moving situation, and we are accommodating with kindness and understanding.
Sound & Communications: Since the show is confirmed to be proceeding, what advice would you offer to exhibitors/attendees traveling to Amsterdam?
Blackman: We are not the experts, and we suggest following the WHO or CDC and their updates. While we will not make rash decisions or assumptions based on speculation, clean hands, as well as proper sneezing and coughing etiquette, are always advised.
Sound & Communications: What feedback, if any, have you received from the exhibitor/attendee community about how best to address this situation?
Blackman: Our ISE community has been mostly positive, if not cautiously optimistic. This is an evolving issue, and it’s one that we simply cannot predict nor control. However, we will continue to review and adapt our advice accordingly.
Sound & Communications: If our readers would like up-to-date information about ISE and how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting it, where can they go?
Blackman: Readers can always go to our website at www.iseurope.org or follow along on social media at @ISE_Show or #ISE2020.
To read our original news post on this topic, click here.