Informa Markets has announced that due to the industry impact of restricted travel in order to contain the coronavirus it will postpone food and hospitality show FHA-HoReCa, due to take place at SingEx from 3-6 March, until July.
The announcement follows news that three people, one from Malaysia and two from South Korea, have contracted coronavirus after attending a business meeting in a Singapore hotel also attended by visitors from China. The World Health Organization is said to be coordinating with Singapore’s Ministry of Health to investigate the event.
The show organiser is taking the precautionary measures in line with the advisory of the Singapore Tourism Board and the Ministry of Health, and with support from the venue.
FHA-Food & Beverage, being held from 31 March – 3 April, will take place as planned.
Safety first
The decision to postpone the show was made following consultation with the industry, taking into consideration the restrictions being placed on travel and tourism across Asia-Pacific.
“This decision was not made lightly as it is not about us, but it was made with the interests of our exhibitors and attendees in mind. To this end, we are working closely with the Singapore Tourism Board, our partners and suppliers to provide support to all participants and attendees,” said Martyn Cox, event director for FHA-HoReCa and FHA-Food & Beverage, Informa Markets.
“The industry needs time to recover from the situation and the postponement will allow a sufficient period of recovery for the buying potential of the region to return in full force.”
The organisers will be working to maintain its extensive visitor program and line-up of industry experts. Now taking place between 13-16 July, FHA HoReCa is set to host 2,000 exhibitors who will showcase their products to 48,000 attendees.
“We will continue to work closely with Informa Markets and other event partners to explore the best possible solutions to support the postponement of FHA-HoReCa,” said Atria Alvin Lim, executive director for brand and customer experience at SingEx Holdings.
“With FHA-Food & Beverage going ahead as planned, the necessary precautionary measures, in line with the Singapore Ministry of Health’s advisories, will be activated on-site and around the venue to ensure that any health and safety risks are mitigated.”
Contracts and payments made for FHA-HoReCa will carry over to the revised dates and the organisers will be contacting exhibitors to help facilitate the necessary changes.
Liz Cooley
