On May 27th 2020 PSP hosted a webinar attended by freelancers, suppliers and clients within the exhibition’s industry. The aim of the webinar was to discuss what the next few months ahead may look like and how organisers are starting to adapt and plan for the prospect of exhibitions re-opening. Whilst we aren’t any wiser on when exhibitions might start to re-open, it was great to share the details of some of the planning that is going on behind the scenes. Many freelancers and suppliers have been left out in the cold and are worried about what lies ahead. This was PSP’s way of helping to give them some insight into what is happening.
Trudy Wilde, Exhibitions Director at PSP and David Woodcock, Director of PSP hosted this event and their guests were Cheryl McMorrow Head of Operations (US) at Closer Still Media and Lou Kiwinuka MD of The Shaper Group and Vice-Chair Of ESSA. The idea behind this was to try and bring some positivity back to everyone’s minds with opinions and ideas going forward in the world of exhibitions.
One of the big topics was around the potential impact of virtual events on the industry? When did we think events and exhibitions may possibly happen again?
The panel felt that whilst virtual has a place in the current lockdown period and some positive elements of virtual may become standard going forward, virtual will never replace the need for face to face events. It was also interesting to hear from Cheryl on her experience of the current US exhibitions industry. In terms of a likely return to deliver exhibitions the jury was out, as we all await government guidance. But re-assuring to hear that conversations are beginning to happen.
We also had a ten-minute mindfulness session from Siôn Stansfield, Co-Founder, POINT3 Wellbeing to offer the audience some tips on how to look after our wellbeing during these difficult times.
Last but by no means least a ten minute Q&A session with the questions supplied by the attendees.
“Our freelancers and suppliers are so important to us at PSP, we wanted to try and shine a light on some of the issues they are all facing. We didn’t want this webinar to be about doom and gloom and that’s the feedback we received. We are grateful to each and every one who attended and got involved with some brilliant questions and we want them all to know we are here and hopefully that the end is a little bit closer”
- Trudy Wilde - Exhibitions Director at PSP
“Now more than ever it’s important to stay connected with our peers in the industry, share thoughts and insights to move forward with one collaborative voice, and this is great way to do just that. Really enjoyed being part of the session, so thanks again Trudy 😊”
- Cheryl McMorrow - Head of Operations (US) at Closer Still Media
“Any session that focuses our industry on what we can do for the future is a benefit right now, and even more so when we are looking to our freelance community. It was great to be part of such a well executed event.”
- Lou Kiwinuka - MD of The Shaper Group and Vice-Chair Of ESSA
