With its doors re-opening for the first time in 18 months from 5-8 September at the NEC Birmingham, Autumn Fair, co-located with Moda, is introducing Covid-19 status checks for all attendees on arrival at the show. In addition, it has also updated its Safe & Secure Guidelines regarding health and safety measures.

Following the Government’s latest guidance, and working in consultation with the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), this September’s Autumn Fair will ask all attendees – including visitors, exhibitors, contractors, venue, and organiser staff – to verify their Covid-19 status on arrival.

This means all attendees will need to demonstrate proof of Covid-19 status for entry to the event. This will need to be one of the following:

• Proof of completion of a full course of vaccination two weeks prior to arrival.
• Proof of a negative Lateral Flow Test taken within 48hrs of arrival (retaken and reported every 72hrs).
• Proof of natural immunity via a positive PCR test result for Covid-19, lasting for 180 days from the date of the positive test and following completion of the self-isolation period.

Click here for further details on how to prove your Covid-19 status as well as FAQs. Additional information for international exhibitors and visitors will be available shortly.

Connecting its customers and communities safely and comfortably continues to be a top priority for Autumn Fair and Moda. Its Safe & Secure guidelines for both exhibitors and visitors, available here, provide a transparent view on how the trade show’s organisers are creating a trusted space for trading, networking, inspiration and more.

Over the last year, the event’s organiser, Hyve Group plc, has been creating Covid-safe event protocols; working closely with industry association AEO to establish the guidance, which has been approved by UK government.

 

 

The Safe & Secure stamp, visible onsite, indicates the highest health and safety standards across its global events, including Autumn Fair.

Commenting is Ian Solomon, operations director, Hyve Group plc. “The health and safety of our customers and community have been, and continues to be, a top priority as we return to delivering events and facilitating trade again. As such, it was imperative for Autumn Fair and Moda to verify attendees’ Covid-19 status on arrival.

“We have made the decision to implement Covid-19 status checks, even though this is not currently mandated within government guidelines. The evidence suggests this is the best way for us to reduce the risk of transmission within the event itself.

“Putting these checks in place adds an additional layer of reassurance for all attendees once they are inside the event. Furthermore, our risk assessment is substantial, and the updated Safe & Secure guidelines are designed to deliver industry-leading health and safety standards and procedures that will help put the minds of our community at ease.”

Other key features of the updated guidelines include a reduced contact registration system and a Code of Conduct. Exhibitors also have a wealth of advice on exhibition stands. This includes guidance on stand layout, data capture, staffing and displaying product effectively.

Autumn Fair will also be a mask friendly event. Whilst it is no longer mandatory to wear masks within event spaces, organisers are encouraging all attendees to consider wearing masks, especially when in enclosed or crowded spaces.

The forthcoming Autumn Fair will be the largest Home, Gift and Fashion event for the autumn season. Co-located with Moda, it now offers visitors a mix of fashion, footwear and jewellery within key shopping destinations: Home, Gift, Fashion, Design and Source.

 

 

Commenting is Julie Driscoll, managing director, Retail & Fashion, Hyve Group plc.

“Autumn Fair is a curated show for a new era of retail; designed to reinvigorate the industry and provide the essential networking and product inspiration that the industry has missed during the pandemic.

“All the measures being put in place are to help exhibitors and visitors feel confident about attending events once again. There is huge pent-up interest, but quite rightly we need to provide clear information and the correct procedures. The new guidelines enable exhibitors and visitors to understand what to expect on site.

“With our long-standing heritage and experience, we can confidently deliver a trusted platform and marketplace for physical business to take place again; giving buyers the chance to discover a whole host of inspirational products and collections from returning favourites, as well as new, sustainable, made in Britain, and a huge number of ‘exclusive to the Autumn Fair’ brands.”

The full updated Safe and Secure Guidelines are available here, with a dedicated section for exhibitors here.