GORINCHEM – Trade show organizer Easyfairs is ready for Maritime Industry 2020. The trade show for the maritime sector was initially planned for May, but has been moved to October 13, 14 and 15, 2020, due to the coronavirus. Meanwhile, Easyfairs developed protocols in order for professionals of the maritime sector to come together in a safe and responsible manner. ‘The confidence and willingness to meet face-to-face again is increasing. A survey among the visitors of trade shows also indicated this confidence and willingness as 82 percent indicate they will visit a trade show again and that they feel supported by the previously eased corona measures,” explains Bianca van Grinsven on behalf of Maritime Industry.
Van Grinsven: ‘Moving Maritime Industry from May to October has been successful, thanks to the understanding, patience and loyalty of our exhibitors, partners and other stakeholders. Despite the fact that the corona situation is beyond our control, we are very grateful to them. We are committed to organizing a successful edition of Maritime Industry in October. We are more than ever capable of bringing professionals together in a safe and responsible manner, because of the protocols and action plans put in place based on the corona measures.
To realize a successful edition, time slot for visitors will likely be introduced to spread visitors over the three exhibition days. These time slots are still to be determined. “These time slots will be large enough in order for us to welcome the same number of visitors as previous editions. Additionally, there will be a spacious entrance and exit which will be arranged separately. Once inside, visitors are allowed to move freely on the exhibition floor. “There is no need to make appointments with exhibitors, and when necessary, aisles have been widened to a minimum of three meters. We will implement the 1,5 meter distance at all times on the exhibition floor”, Van Grinsven explains.
“There is also the possibility to network with each other in areas designed for networking on the exhibition floor as well as outside. Additional hygiene measures will include, among others, disinfection stations at various places and extra cleaning of the sanitary facilities. The concrete measures obviously depend on the guidelines indicated by the government. We monitor these closely and as soon as these measures are final, we will communicate them,” says Van Grinsven.
Before the Covid-19 outbreak, Easyfairs introduced a digital development for all its trade shows; the use of the Smart Badge Technology. With this badge, the visitor is able to receive information about the exhibitor by scanning a reader on the exhibitors stand without any physical contact, thus proving shaking hands or handing out business cards unnecessary. Visitors receive an e-mail with an overview of all the exhibitors whom he or she has scanned after their visit. The Smart Badge technology is being introduced at Maritime Industry for the first time.
