CAEM Weekly Update – August 20, 2020

Strong Industry Advocacy

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our priority has been to serve as the voice of the industry and help the sector navigate the current landscape. CAEM announced the formation of the Exposition Recovery Taskforce in May, developing the necessary protocols and tools, as well as advocating on behalf of all exhibition stakeholders, for the safe, responsible and effective reopening of the Canadian exhibition industry. In addition, we have provided several virtual opportunities for the industry to stay connected and facilitate strategic discussions during these challenging times.

It is now more important than ever to foster a community of support and advocacy. CAEM also recognizes that our work and success is made possible by our dedicated members, Annual Sponsors and partners. Without their support, we would not be able to offer the initiatives or resources that we do, nor achieve the impact of our latest advocacy work and efforts.

We are pleased to provide weekly updates and resources to the industry. However, by becoming a member, you will receive full member benefits, such as access to job postings, member and supplier directories, discussion forums, up-to-the-minute information about current and future advocacy, links to toolkits to help all members navigate the safe reopening of exhibitions, plus the opportunity to attend virtual and/or hybrid industry events. Click here to become a CAEM member today!

On Monday, August 10, 2020, Charlotte Bell, President & CEO of Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Clark Grue, Chair of Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC) spoke to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. Both industry representatives delivered messaging on behalf of business events, including the incredible efforts of the CAEM Exposition Recovery Taskforce for putting together guidance documentation for the safe reopening of the industry. They also discussed the urgent need for liquidity and support for business events, including exhibitions. The video recording can be found on the MMBC website, under the Rally for Recovery video series at the bottom of the page.

Similarly, earlier this week, Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAO, addressed the provincial Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. She also allocated a part of her remarks to championing the exhibition sector, and bringing attention to the unjust shutdown of our industry, while also pointing out that we have the technology, tools and protocols necessary to reopen in a safe and responsible way. You can watch the full recording here. 

CAEM is a proud member of TIAC,MMBC and TIAO, and we are grateful for their partnership, collaboration and support during this critical time.

Ontario

The Exposition Recovery Taskforce has begun a dialogue with the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. In our discussions, we continue to advocate for a clear distinction between exhibitions and other events (meetings, conventions, galas and banquets), explaining that our business model and operations mirror much more closely malls, shopping centres, big box stores and public markets. Our ask to government is that reopening guidance for the exhibition sector be modeled after these types of establishments and industries. Our message is that a one-size-fits-all model, to reopening all business activity within convention centres and exhibition halls, is both unreasonable and scientifically unsound, and that the same admission capacity limit cannot be applied to both a 200,000 sqft exhibition hall and a 5,000 sqft meeting space. 

Alberta

On Thursday July 16, 2020, Dr. Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health for the province of Alberta, officially announced the reopening of exhibitions in the Province.The province's reopening guidance document for trade shows and exhibitions can be found here.

CAEM Associate Members – New Directory Categories 

CAEM is pleased to offer the Supplier Directory and during this unprecedented time, we recognize many suppliers are now offering new services and products to support exhibition organizers in adapting their show floors to host and produce COVID-19 safe events. If you're an Associate Member and your products and services have pivoted, please click here to tell us about your new offerings.

Once we receive this information, CAEM will be implementing additional Supplier Directory categories, including PPE, hybrid event technology and COVID-19 signage, virtual technology, COVID-19 specific signage, staff, education, resources, etc.

Please only have one member per organization complete the form on behalf of the entire organization.

2020 CAEM Annual General Meeting

CAEM’s AGM will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 1:00 PM ET.

Register now for the 2020 CAEM Annual General Meeting.

CEM Update

To all CEM candidates and applicants that are CAEM Members, the CAEM Certification Council has reached out to IAEE to confirm an extension on deadlines for recertification and certification completion from six months to one year.

CAEM understands the value and benefit of the in-person CEM courses, and is once again happy to confirm that CAEM members who have a recertification date of January 1, 2021 will be eligible for the extension by contacting IAEE. Similarly, if there are CEM candidates who find they cannot complete the credits necessary to earn their certification by their end date, they can also receive an extension by contacting IAEE.

For those of you who are interested in completing online CEM courses offered by IAEE to maintain or complete your certification, please email the CAEM Office to access a discount code.