Page 6 - Climate Control News April 2020

News
It’s official: 2020 ARBS Exhibition postponed
THE 2020 ARBS EXHIBITION HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY POSTPONED.
FOLLOWING AN EXTRAORDINARY board meeting, ARBS Exhibitions Ltd, formally noti- fied exhibitors in an email on March 11, 2020.
It stated that the board decided the ARBS 2020 exhibition, scheduled to be held from May 19-21, will be postponed due to the COVID-19 virus.
While a new date for the event was not pro- vided, the organisers confirmed they are in dis- cussions with the Melbourne Convention & Ex- hibition Centre to successfully reschedule.
Event organiser, Sue Falcke, apologised for the change of date and asked exhibitors to be patient until new dates are finalised.
“Bearing in mind that many large events are all scrambling to postpone and move to alter-
nate options either later this year or early next year, venue space is in limited supply,” she said in the email.
“We are currently discussing our options with the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre and hope to be able to announce an alternative date for ARBS 2020 in the very near future.
“We are very sorry that such a drastic meas- ure has had to be implemented, and we will do everything we can to ensure we reschedule the exhibition once a suitable date has been secured and hopefully once the threat of the virus has subsided.
“More details, including the process and time- lines of the postponement, will be provided as soon as feasibly possible.”
The email also listed the concerns that con- tributed to the board’s decision including fears about the health and well-being of 10,000 to 12,000 participants. It also said:
ARBS had also been advised that companies
had begun to restrict travel both here and over- seas, a number of seminar presenters had flagged their intention to cancel and it is likely the gov- ernment may limit large events if the virus con- tinues to spread.
ARBS exhibitions generally host around 10,000 – 12,000 participants, involving exhibi- tors, visitors, suppliers and contractor staff and we are concerned for the health, wellbeing and safety of all participants during what will be a challenging time for the whole country.
Many international exhibitors have now lim- ited or banned staff travel.
A number of interstate exhibitors have now limited or banned interstate travel.
It is likely that the Government will recom- mend or prevent major travel and movement and possibly limit large events if the virus continues to spread.
ABOVE: Organisers are working to reschedule the event early in the new year.
The best option is to keep moving forward with our plans.
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK: LET’S GET VIRTUAL
FOR the past 20 years Australia has always had its very own bi-yearly ARBS Exhibition. This postponement is certainly a first for everyone. We have all been preparing for this event, building stands, working towards major product announcements and organising staff to maximise the sales opportunities that are all part of the ARBS experience.
ARBS has always been used a platform for our entire industry and CCN wants to let readers know that platform is still available.
The best option, under the current circumstances, is to move forward with our plans. Whatever you were planning to showcase at ARBS, can still be showcased, just not in an
exhibition hall. Instead exhibitors will be relying on media, videos, social media – every other format that is still available during the virus outbreak, to showcase their latest innovations.
The most powerful and effective format exhibitors will use is Climate Control News.
In the spirit of soldiering on, we will be publishing a Virtual ARBS issue for May to keep readers informed and to allow our advertisers to move ahead with their product announcements.
While we all look forward to the actual ARBS event taking place later this year or early next year (fingers crossed we have a date soon) we can all work together to create the best virtual experience we can.
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