UK Government and PHE sign off all secure standard

The Events Supplier and Services Association (ESSA), together with the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and the Association of Event Venues (AEV) has confirmed that the industry’s All Secure Expo Pilot has been signed off by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Public Health England, 19 November.

This means the authorities now recognise the competency of the industry to put on safe and controlled business events by following the All Secure Standard, following weeks of work by the three associations and their members.

The All Secure Standard, which covers exhibitions and large conferences, began development during the summer, and culminated with the All Secure Expo Pilot event at the BDC, London, on 2 September, 2020, demonstrating that a return to live events during the Covid-pandemic was perfectly plausible, provided a clear set of protocols and guidelines were in place.

The All Secure Standard, set out by ESSA, AEO and AEV, and their stakeholders, provides a framework of guidance and risk assessments to ensure a safe return to live exhibitions. All the work has now been approved by the UK government.

Rachel Parker, AEV director, warmly welcomed the news on behalf of all three associations. She said: “This is the culmination of a great deal of effort by all three associations and their members to restart live events in the UK. Despite the colossal damage inflicted on our industry by this virus, the government’s approval of the All Secure Expo Pilot and the framework that underpins this process means that we have proven the case for a safe return.

“This is the foundation for continuing our work to develop a road map towards re-opening our sector.”