The steady return to 'normal' life across Europe has been welcomed by association and meeting industry leaders as Norway and Sweden became the latest countries to end Covid-19 restrictions.
While the Omnicron variant has led to a surge in infections across the continent, hospitalisations have not surged in line with cases, suggesting the worst of the virus might be over.
Austria, Denmark, France, England, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Belgium have all taken steps to return life to as close to ‘pre-pandemic’ normal as possible in recent weeks.
Mike Morrissey, president of the European Society of Association Executives and CEO of the European Cancer Organisation, described the easing of restrictions as ‘exciting’.
He said: “Over the last two years, we have had a number of false starts where we hoped that we could start planning for in-person events, so I am sure everyone working in Associations will be keeping their fingers crossed this spring, summer and, importantly, autumn.
“Association leaders have collectively done an amazing job in keeping their organisations’ volunteer leaders and members positive and optimistic for the future – and the return of in-person events will be a timely reminder of what Associations are all about: real people.”
Sweden is ending all lockdown restriction next Wednesday.
Existing restrictions, which include bars and restaurants having to close early and a limit of 500 people inside larger indoor venues, were extended last month until February 9th.
"It's time to open Sweden up again," Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told a news conference. "Looking ahead, infection rates will remain high for a while longer, but as far as we can judge, the worst consequences of the contagion are now behind us.”
While keeping social distancing, Norway has lifted all other restrictions with immediate effect.
Ori Lahav, VP clients and operation at Kenes Group, said the fact hospitalizations had not increased in line with cases meant countries had shown it was possible to live with the virus.
“These countries are leading the way, showing how we can live beside COVID-19, with the most important marker being that there is no increase in hospitalizations from this variant.
“An important sign that comes from the North, is that they leave the responsibility in the hands of businesses, and this is what event professionals have been preparing for in the past two years.
“We have safety protocols in place, and if we can have governments agree on general reopening, we can guarantee the maximum safety of our team and delegates onsite.
“We have an upcoming very large International Conference in mid-March. Indication from both delegates and sponsors are excellent as they are eager to get together again.”
In a LinkedIn post, Kai Hattendorf, managing director and CEO of UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, said he welcomed the ‘science-based lead taken by Denmark and said there was a ‘movement’ towards easing pandemic restrictions for the business events industry across Europe.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
