Reed Travel Exhibitions has postponed the inaugural edition of IBTM Asia Pacific, citing risks to welfare associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
IBTM, part of Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is the world’s leading showcase for the MICE industry, with a portfolio of five global and regional events around the world.
These include IBTM World, IBTM Africa, IBTM Americas, IBTM China and the recently launched IBTM Asia Pacific, which was set to occur in Singapore between 6 and 8 April 2020.
Sadly, we're postponing IBTM Asia Pacific.
We're looking forward to launching the show on 13-14 April 2021.
We send warm regards to everyone affected and we hope to see you in Singapore next year.
Full press release: https://t.co/Cslzjh4S0r pic.twitter.com/0jaTyuDuwC
— IBTM (@IBTMevents) February 20, 2020
The event has since been moved to the same month in 2021, with the decision to shift its date made by RTE following consultations with partners regarding the risk of COVID-19 to participants.
Commenting on IBTM Asia Pacific’s postponement, IBTM Events portfolio director Shane Hannam said the decision was not made lightly.
“Our customers, partners and team in Singapore have worked incredibly hard on the event and while it is disappointing to postpone, it’s imperative that we prioritise the health and safety of everyone involved,” he said.
“We are extremely grateful for the understanding of our customers, partners and team, and for the strong support we have had since announcing this new addition to our portfolio.
“We also recognise that business has to continue. With this in mind, over the coming weeks, we will be creating ways of keeping our community connected to support and collaborate and to keep our world moving during this difficult period.
“We send our warm regards to all our colleagues, partners and customers and sincerely wish everyone a swift return to normal life soon.
“We are committed to Singapore as a host city and look forward to returning to the region very soon to meet with as many customers and partners as possible.”
Singapore Tourism Board’s executive director of conventions, meetings and incentive travel, Dr Edward Koh, said the authority will work closely to provide assistance.
“We understand IBTM Asia Pacific’s decision to reschedule their show to 2021, and we will work closely with Reed Travel Exhibitions and our partners,” he said.
“IBTM is a valued partner, and their Asia-Pacific show remains a key highlight in Singapore’s event calendar.
“We look forward to extending a warm welcome to all attendees and exhibitors in 2021.”
IBTM Asia Pacific is the latest in a lengthening catalogue of major events forced to postpone or cancel as a result of the spread of the disease, which now includes Salesforce.
In an update, Salesforce advised it would changed the format of its upcoming World Tour Sydney event to online only, as reported by The Nibbler’s sister publication, B&T.
In an update on the event website, Salesforce outlined the rationale behind the decision.
“Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our stakeholders,” the company said.
“Over the last few months, we have been closely monitoring the evolving situation with the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak to ensure we are taking every precaution to look after our customers, partners, and employees.
“After careful consideration of our stakeholders and reflection on our values, we’ve decided to change the format of our World Tour in person event on Wednesday 4 March to be an online experience.
“World Tour Sydney Reimagined will deliver a full program of inspiration and enablement direct to you, streamed from Australia completely online for the first time ever.”
The event website explains Salesforce is currently “reimaging” the agenda.
Featured image: iStock/sumak77
