As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, we remain steadfast in our commitment to be the voice for the global business events community. I have co-signed a letter with the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) asking the United States Department of the Treasury for financial assistance in the form of a comprehensive economic package specifically for people in the travel, hospitality and business events industries.

For the world, the past few weeks have been unprecedented, as we see the global toll COVID-19 has taken.

For the business events industry, the disruption has been profound. Like you, we’re experiencing the stress of the unknown and upheaval in our work and personal lives, as we also worry about and care for our family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues.

Since my last message to the global business events community, the COVID-19 outbreak has expanded beyond China, prompting major event cancellations, increased travel restrictions and plunges to global financial markets.

Like all of you, we continue to receive updates on the escalating global impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on people’s lives and on the business events industry.