CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: The show is still on, says ISRI

As the coronavirus spreads around the world, more recycling industry events in Asia and Europe are being cancelled or postponed. What about the upcoming ISRI and IFAT shows?

The Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRSE), scheduled to take place on 25 and 26 March 2020 at the RAI Amsterdam is has been postponed, following consultations with exhibitors, speakers and the venue, and considering the ‘significant impact’ of international travel at this time. A new date for the will be announced soon.

It’s raining cancellations

The fast growing list of cancelled recycling events and trade shows also holds the International Automobile Recycling Congress (IARC) in Geneva, Switzerland, initially scheduled for the second week of March. The show will now take place on 2-4 September.

The decision to postpone follows the earlier cancellation of the Geneva International Motor Show due to the coronavirus and more speakers and delegates reporting they would no longer attend. ‘The wellbeing of all participants is our top priority,’ says Jeanette Duttlinger of conference organiser ICM. ‘The aim of every congress is to create a special experience for the delegates and to facilitate   the expansion of business relationships. Unfortunately, this goal cannot be achieved under the current circumstances.’

Another postponed event is the Circular Materials Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden. ‘We are truly saddened by this unfortunate situation,’ comments co-organiser Nordic Publishing on its website. The event has been moved to 22-23 September.

Headaches in Washington

Meanwhile, the coronavirus has raised growing concern at the US Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) because of the body’s upcoming annual convention and exposition in Las Vegas from 27-30 April. ‘At this time, we plan to continue to move forward with the convention,’ says ISRI Chair Brian Shine in an email to members.

According to Shine, ISRI’s top priority is ‘the health and safety of its attendees, exhibitors, and staff’. He adds that the situation is changing rapidly ‘which is why it is essential that we closely watch how the virus affects government policies, transportation access and more’.

What the others do

There are several rather large conventions being held in Las Vegas before ISRI 2020, including ConExpo, the National Association of Broadcasters and the NFL Draft Experience. Currently, all of these events – which are larger than ISRI2020 – are still due to take place. ‘We will monitor their plans as we make ours in the weeks to come,’ says Shine. ‘Staff will continue coordinating and sharing information with their counterparts at other associations to ensure they are following best practice.’

ISRI has created a special link at the top of its convention webpage, www.isri2020.org. Look for the gold bar at the top that is currently titled ‘THE SHOW IS ON. STAY INFORMED. CORONAVIRUS UPDATE AND RESOURCES.’ Click on the link for the latest information.

On site precautions

ISRI is taking preparations including: placing hand sanitizers throughout the convention hall; placing reminder signs to encourage all delegates to wash hands regularly and to practise good hygiene; and having medical assistance available throughout the convention in case of illness or emergency.