The Visual Impact tradeshow will go ahead at the end of April but with added measures in place to protect against a Coronavirus outbreak.
The show is organised by supplier association, Visual Connections, with chief executive officer Peter Harper confirming planning for the tradeshow is continuing unabated with COVID-19 not expected to prevent it from running.
To register for the tradeshow which runs from April 30 to May 2 please click here.
Harper said with only a handful of COVID-19 cases in Australia and the “strong preventive measures” introduced by the federal government meant the risk of infection in Australia is currently very low.
“We’ve been watching the situation carefully, of course, and our ultimate priority in every instance is for the health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors and staff,” Harer said.
“However, at this point there is no indication that there is any cause to alter plans for the show.
“Our government has responded quickly and, I think, appropriately, anticipating possible scenarios and acting to prevent any significant escalation of the situation here in Australia. At present, these measures appear to be working very effectively, and we are confident that this cautious approach will pay dividends over the longer-term.”
Harper also mentioned that there hasn’t been any community contagion evident in Australia thus far, with all cases so far resulting from exposure in another country or direct contact with someone who has picked up the pathogen overseas.
“At this point, at least, panic around the disease has the potential to cause more economic damage and disruption than the disease itself. We are mindful that, as far as possible, it’s important to support all businesses in continuing to trade strongly, meet demand and build success,” he said.
“Industry expos and conferences play an important role in helping the industry’s decision-makers keep up with trends, plan their direction, and gather vital information to make important investments for the future.
“Visual Impact, together with the ASGA/FESPA Australia 2020 HP National Conference which will run alongside the expo, will provide that support, and we are obviously keen to see that continue.”
Harper acknowledged that the situation is evolving daily, and added that his team is in close contact with the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, to ensure well preparedness for a safe and hygienic environment for all its events.
The team at Visual Connections will continue to monitor the situation and will respond accordingly should any additional measures become necessary.
Visual Impact will run from Thursday 30 April until Saturday 2 May, at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre at Broadbeach in Queensland.
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