ISE 2020 organiser Integrated Systems Events has issued a statement confirming that the 2020 show will go ahead from 10-14 February. ISE is also recommending that exhibitors and visitors follow public health advice such as using additional hand sanitisers that will be available at the RAI Amsterdam exhibition centre.
The statement was issued following online speculation about the impact of the virus, including a call for Chinese companies to be asked to stay away by digital signage blogger Adrian Cotterill. “Asking the Chinese not to make the trip to Amsterdam this year would be a very tough call (but I would do it),” he said.
In a statement, ISE commented: “We are actively monitoring and following guidelines such as additional hand sanitisers throughout the RAI exhibition building as issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) alongside advice given by local health agencies, airports and venues; and will share show updates and changes as appropriate. We advise that exhibitors and attendees follow the care and hygiene recommendations recommended by the WHO.”
In an article reporting a prediction that the Coronavirus would encourage companies to think of videoconferencing as “prudent” and not just “convenient”, US-based Commercial Integrator wrote: “We haven’t heard of any official restrictions on those who are travelling from China or other parts of Asia to Amsterdam for the 2020 Integrated Systems Europe show in mid-February, but you have to wonder how those from that region—and those who’ll interact with them—feel about the possibility of introducing the strain into the RAI with more than 80,000 attendees.”
Analysing the risks at digital signage news and analysis hub Sixteen-Nine, consultant Dave Haynes wrote: “It’s not changing my plans, but when you see me in Amsterdam, don’t be offended when I go for a fist-bump instead of a handshake.”
The website also reported that exhibitor Stratacache has closed operations in China and is evaluating whether to send staff to ISE in Amsterdam or not.
The WHO is encouraging the general public to follow its standard recommendations to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illness, covering hand and respiratory hygiene and safe food practices. Reccomendations include:
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Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
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When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands;
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Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
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If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider;
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When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
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The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.
The WHO advice recommended by ISE can be found here:
Other resources recommended by ISE are here: