March 16, 2020
Stronger Together
Dear Colleagues,
The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has touched the lives and businesses of our friends and colleagues across the globe in the meetings and events industry. During this extraordinary time, we are all called upon to support each other and those dealing with the outbreak in various settings on the front line.
Today, in an effort to slow the transmission of the virus and protect our communities, the Province of British Columbia has issued the directive to temporarily cancel gatherings over 50 people until further notice. This decision will deeply impact many of our members’ businesses and their livelihood. There is no question that we are facing challenging times ahead.
We Are Here For You
The leaders of your professional associations, want to ensure you that we are here for you. We are committed to providing the most current and relevant information regarding COVID-19 to our members. We are here if anyone has questions, concerns, or ideas on how we can best serve you. As we all work through immediate needs and challenges, do not hesitate to reach out for help in any way shape or form.
Your Trusted Meeting & Event Resources
ILEA, MPI, and PCMA, as well as the MMBC, have dedicated online resource pages, providing you with up-to-date information on COVID-19. We encourage you to bookmark these pages and visit them regularly to get educated and informed with the latest news.
ILEA Updates on COVID-19 & Resources
MPI Coronavirus Resources Page
PCMA What Events Professionals Need to Know about COVID-19
Take Care of Yourself
We want to urge our members in the next days and weeks to take this seriously. Follow the guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the BC Centre for Disease Control. Wash your hands, do not touch your face, and stay home. If you have recently traveled outside of Canada you are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
All Chapters In-Person Activities
At this time, all chapters’ in-person events and activities are canceled or postponed until otherwise notified. We are also exploring alternative options to provide essential education content to our members.
GMID 2020
Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), our day of advocacy, is more important than ever this year. On April 14th we are proud to be demonstrating unity by celebrating collaboratively with all major event industry associations including MPI, ILEA, PCMA, and for the first year FVEPA.
This year, in response to guidance from the authorities, we will not host GMID celebrations in our traditional format. Please expect updates from us in the coming days as we put a new strategy together.
During these uncertain times, let’s remember to be kind and patient, informed and calm, and most of all to stand together. The events industry was built on a platform of resilience, and we will come back stronger!
Sincerely,
Fraser Valley Event Planning Association (FVEPA)
Stephen Melville, President
[email protected]
ILEA Vancouver Chapter
Shannon Boudreau, President
[email protected]
MPI BC Chapter
Heidi Hughes, President
[email protected]
PCMA Canada West Chapter
Shawn Cheng, President
[email protected]
