The Meetings Industry Association recently put together a survey asking their members to discuss the effects of social distancing on their business. 186 venue operators replied, who employ a minimum of 11,986 people between them.
Here are some of the key findings:
- 82% of venues say they will be able to operate with social distancing measures in place, but nearly half said that their venue’s capacity would have to be more than halved.
- As a result of this, 59% of venues won’t break even and 80% expect a loss of more than half their turnover per month, so government support will still be required.
- 38% of venues report that without the furlough scheme more than half their workforce will be made redundant. They are therefore calling for an extension of the scheme which is currently only due to be in place until 30th June.
- They are also calling for organised events (conferences, exhibitions and business meetings with a purpose) not to fall into the category of ‘mass gatherings’, the distinction being the capability to put in place extensive social distancing and protective measures to manage attendees in their venues.
- Venues need a timescale to work to, based on Government guidance. The more notice they have, the more quickly, they can return to work.
- Only 12% of venues would be able to open immediately, while 47% say they would require two weeks lead time, and the rest up to or exceeding a month.
- MIA are calling for the government to put in place a public confidence campaign to support the sector including clear measures, and support to demonstrate the amazing possibilities of socially distanced events!
View the full report of the survey results here.