International Exhibition & Conference Group Pty Ltd has announced the postponement of Fashion Exposed Now and the Made in Australia Show that was set to take place in Sydney 14 – 15 August 2022.
Marie Kinsella, CEO of IEC Group confirms that the company made the tough decision based on concerns raised by the medical experts regarding the Covid19 situation in NSW and how this will impact visitors to the shows.
The last few years have been tough on the exhibition industry. Those involved in the industry have become all too familiar with having difficult conversations around postponements.
“We never want to postpone a show but the return on investment for our exhibitors and health and safety of our visitors are always front and centre in our minds” says Marie.
According to many health organisations Australians are still being exposed to serious waves of the Covid variant along with the Influenza A and B strains. The medical experts are advising that this wave of Covid is due to peak in mid August in NSW QLD and Victoria, during the event period.
New South Wales has also been heavily affected by the number of influenza cases this winter, totalling over half of the Australia’s total flu cases recorded this year. This flu outbreak alongside over 145,000 active cases of Covid19, with this number expected to climb, signals a difficult time for the state.
“We believe the pre-registration of business visitors reflects the current public health issues being raised in the media and by the health experts. As a result, we feel that we are unable to deliver the strong number of business buyers that we would expect to meet at these events, while simultaneously maintaining the health and safety of those attending” says Marie.
Whilst the developments of the last two years mean we are all more accustomed to events being moved or cancelled, Marie admits that it is no less disappointing or frustrating.
“This is a pandemic no one could have predicted. The business decisions that come with this don’t get easier. We will however not in good conscience deliver an event with a less than desirable outcome for our exhibitors.”
While Marie concedes they could wait to see how things turn out closer to the August show date, the company understands the energy that exhibitors put towards events such as these and the company felt this decision was necessary to avoid further disappointment closer to the event.
The shows will now be held on Sunday 12th and Monday 13th February 2023 at the Royal Exhibition Building Melbourne.
“We understand the frustration of our exhibitors given the time and effort they have spent preparing for the shows. We trust that they will understand our position and this as a positive move towards shows with more attendees at the event in February” concludes Marie.
IEC Group
Level 1, 197 Bay Street
BRIGHTON VIC 3186
T: 03 9596 9205
W: www.iecgroup.com.au
Media Enquiries: Darshana Amarsi darshana.amarsi@iecgroup.com.au