The coronavirus is spreading and changing quickly, and we simply do not know when it will peak or what path it will take. So, what impact will it have on trade shows like Mobile World Congress 2020 coming up in Barcelona in the next few weeks? MWC20 sent out a press release saying the show will go on. However, there will be a big impact on the show and attendees.
Any way we look at it, this new coronavirus will impact MWC20. In fact, it will impact every convention and trade show in the USA and globally. How can it not? Many attendees will still go. Many others will simply avoid this global crowd to avoid being exposed.
Expect some companies and attendees to pull out of MWC20
People are different. Some are younger and others older. Some have a stronger immune system than others. Bottom line, some people are more at risk than others. There are also different types of people. Some are more adventurous, and others are more cautious.
As we get closer, I also predict some companies will start to pull out of this year’s show entirely, as well.
All these factors and more will be ingredients that will mix in to determine how this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona will be impacted. What’s important to understand is, MWC20 will be impacted.
Coronavirus, like Sars, will get worse before it gets better
While I hope this contagious coronavirus peaks and ultimately goes away like the Sars virus from almost twenty years ago, the bottom line is things will get worse before they get better. It will take time to control. And MWC20 is coming up soon.
I do think the show will go on. The investment is just too large. However, I also think it will be impacted.
How many hands do you shake at a conference? How many will you shake at MWC20 with the coronavirus? That’s One big question.
That means the flavor of the show will be impacted this year.
Many people who were scheduled to attend have told me they will skip it this year. Many others who would prefer to skip it, have to go because they are employees of companies who will be in attendance.
So, with this contagious illness and with tens of thousands of people coming together in one large convention center sharing hotels, elevators, restaurants, water fountains, buttons and more, precautions need to play a larger role than typical.
MWC20 will provide masks, anti-bacterial lotion and medical staff
At the show, quite a few people will bring their own face masks and carry germ killing lotion and they will use it all the time.
I also expect the show itself will provide masks and germ-killing lotion available for free to help protect attendees. I even expect them to have medical and healthcare stations, just in case. Yes, this is an additional expense, but it is more cost efficient then closing the show.
So, at this point I expect the show will go on. Some companies and attendees will skip this year’s show. So, there will be a lower attendance than there would have been. And everyone there will be wearing masks and using germ killing lotion all the time.
Don’t shake hands at MWC20 because of coronavirus
This will not be your typical Mobile World Congress trade show.
Conventions are a huge business for many companies in many industries. MWC20 is only one of them. There are countless other shows here in the USA and around the world. They come around every year. They will all be facing the same threat and taking the same precautions.
So, if you are going, protect yourself as well as you can. Coronavirus can impact anyone, CEO or front-line worker. Reduced your exposure as best you can. Don’t shake as many hands. Everyone will understand. Enjoy the show but be careful.
