Oceanology International 2020 Will Run As Scheduled
"We are following the protocols set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the various relevant local governmental bodies, but it’s a rapidly changing situation. Of course, if the WHO and local/national UK authorities’ advice changes, globally, nationally or locally, our position will change", the organizers of Oceanology International 2020 in London say.
The health and safety of the exhibitors, visitors and staff are the organizer's number one priority. "We are working closely with the venue to put measures in place that currently include public health messaging that is displayed and shared before and during the event, strengthened hygiene and sanitization, and the availability of disinfectants onsite at the venue, including all public areas and high-volume touchpoints."
The following measures will be taken to ensure health and safety:
- hand sanitizer dispensers in every toilet around the venue;
- attendees strongly encouraged to disinfect their hands in the registration area before entering the event;
- shared equipment (e.g. microphones, headsets, presentation laptops, clickers) to be cleaned between each use;
- hand sanitizer wipes/dispensers at each feature area for all attendees upon entry and exit: catering areas, exhibitor lounge, dockside demonstrations, spotlight theatre, ocean ICT theatre, technical programme, ´Ocean Futures Forum´ and ´Catch the Next Wave´ conference rooms, networking bar and icebreaker drinks reception;
- extra hand sanitizing counters to be placed around the halls;
- extra cleaning staff and increased routine checks;
- strict food hygiene rules are already in place, but extra vigilance will be taken at restaurants and catering outlets at the show;
- enhanced medical support at the London ExCeL venue;
- awareness and training of all staff and suppliers on standard personal preventative measures, e.g. personal hygiene, frequency of use of sanitizing/disinfection products, etc.;
- daily liaison with the risk assessment teams.
Echoing the sentiment of the UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) President Mary Larkin, “We stand in sympathy and support of everyone affected by the current COVID-19 outbreak, whether directly or indirectly. The exhibitions and events industry exist to provide platforms for people and industries to meet, to trade and to collaborate. We, as representative of the exhibition industry, are committed to providing these much-needed places around the world, wherever we can do so.”
"When it comes to health we will rely on the experts in that field, from global bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) but also the national, regional and local health authorities where we are running our event. We will follow their advice to keep participants safe. Should these guidelines change, they will be applied to Oceanology International and we will continue to update everyone involved on a regular basis", the organizers of Oceanology International add in their latest update.
Oceanology International 2020 will be held at ExCeL in London from 17 to 19 March. More information can be found at www.oceanologyinternational.com.
