News

Conference Centres and Meeting Venues across London and England have seen another wave of cancellations and postponements thanks to Covid-19 and Plan B.

What exactly Prime Minister’s announcement on the 8th December and introduction of Plan B means to events at our conference venues? These are the implemented changes:

• From Monday 13 December, guidance to work from home will be reintroduced. “Go to work if you must, but work from home if you can,” the PM said
• Masks will be required in most indoor public venues from Friday 10 December
• The NHS Covid pass, proving vaccination or a negative test, will be required in nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather from a week’s time

There is no mandate to cancel events.

Covid pass will or negative test will only be required in large venues over 500 people. All Cavendish Conference Centres are small to medium size venues and proof of vaccination or negative test is not a legal requirement. You will still need to have your face coverings on unless you’re in food & beverage setting or exempt.

The industry professionals have said they support covid pass introduction, however many have pointed out that large events have already been doing so since Events Research Programme. The research showed that 15% more people were likely to go to an event where vaccination status or negative test proof was an entry requirement.

Sadly, that’s were support ends… Most industry professionals think the “work from home” guidance will have a devastating impact on any business events.

Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive of the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) said this new guidance along with Omicron variant will have a “devastating impact on business meetings and events”.

She also said “Based on the latest scientific data we understand that the Plan B restrictions will need to be put in place, to help reduce the transmission of the Omicron variant of Covid-19,”

“However, this will have a devastating impact on business meetings and events. We know from some initial research conducted just last week, Omicron has already had an immediate impact on client confidence and future bookings.

“We will continue to listen to our members to fully understand the impact and the needs of the sector.”

Processes in our Conference Centres:

As usual, we will continue with enhanced cleaning schedule, staff testing, signage with Covid-19 related guidance and all our absolute best to keep our guests and staff safe and healthy.

Source: Conference News