Congresses cancelled, trade fairs postponedAll this added up, over the period from March to August 2020, the events industry estimates the cost of the current health crisis at nearly 15 billion euros in economic spin-offs. The ban on events, followed by containment measures, affects in equal measure companies involved in organising trade fairs, conferences and corporate events, as well as the transport, hotel and restaurant industries and local businesses.
Almost a third of France's annual events business is already lost. The losses generated have been estimated by three national partnership studies at €12.1 billion for trade fairs, congresses and corporate and institutional events. In the corporate and institutional events with fewer than 50 participants, the LEVENEMENT association of event communication agencies estimates its loss of revenue at 2.9 billion euros.
While major events cannot not resume before September As announced by the Prime Minister, the start of the new academic year is obviously eagerly awaited. " Otherwise, the human and economic damage will be dramatic. "UNIMEV (Union française des métiers de l'événement) writes in a press release. " Over a full year, several thousand direct and indirect jobs are threatened, and with them all the unique and recognised creativity and expertise of the employees who contribute to the life of the city in every region thanks to events, and enable France to position itself as one of the leaders in the international market for attracting events. "he added.
In order to tackle the recovery in the best possible conditions and get business back up and running quickly, the industry's professional organisations (Coésio, Crealians, France Congrès et Evénements, LÉVÉNEMENT, Synpase, Traiteurs de France and UNIMEV) have worked together to draw up a "road map" for the sector. support planpresented to the ministers Bruno Le Maire and Muriel Pénicaud and designed to protect companies in the sector.
The events industry has also asked the public authorities to define a timetable for the gradual resumption of activity, so that it can deploy health measures adapted to welcome delegates, visitors and exhibitors. The professional organisations are also working together on a health protocol to ensure a healthy recovery.
