ARBS 2020 postponed

ARBS Exhibitions Ltd has held an extraordinary board meeting where it was decided that the ARBS 2020 exhibition scheduled to be held from May 19–21 will be postponed due to the COVID-19 virus.

“Circumstances relating to the virus have triggered the postponement,” says ARBS Events Organiser Sue Falcke. She cites a number of factors as playing a major role in the decision.

“ARBS exhibitions generally host around 10,000–12,000 participants, involving exhibitors, visitors, suppliers and contractor staff, and we are concerned for the health, wellbeing and safety of all participants during what will be a challenging time for the whole country,” says Falcke.

“Many international exhibitors have now limited or banned staff travel. A number of interstate exhibitors have now limited or banned interstate travel. It is likely that the government will recommend or prevent major travel and movement and possibly limit large events if the virus continues to spread.

“Many companies and staff may be put into self-isolation, with the rate of spread of the virus at this stage unknown.

“A number of our seminar presenters have already flagged their intention to cancel any travel in the foreseeable future.

“These are only a few of the major factors that influenced our decision today.”

Falcke says that ARBS is now looking at options for rescheduling, and is discussing options with the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. ARBS organisers hope to be able to announce an alternative date in the very near future.

“We are very sorry that such a drastic measure has had to be implemented,” says Falcke, “and we will do everything we can to ensure the successful reschedule of the exhibition once a suitable date has been secured and hopefully once the threat of the virus has subsided.

“More details, including the process and timelines of the postponement, will be provided as soon as feasibly possible.”

Falcke has requested that any direct queries be sent to [email protected].