03 Mar JDC Events Coronavirus Update
Updated March 23, 2020
As COVID-19 continues its spread across the globe, the team at JDC Events is taking practical steps to mitigate the effects of coronavirus on our industry. While our team has shifted to working from home in order to help “flatten the curve,” we continue to stay in touch with our clients, venues and suppliers to ensure that we’re all implementing the appropriate measures to keep event participants safe. We’re also following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) and U.S. Department of State. While we can’t prevent the virus from spreading, we can equip those under our care to be prepared.
Our clients are finding innovative ways to keep doing business during this unprecedented time, and we are committed to supporting them by delivering digital events. Through digital events, our clients will continue to strengthen their networks, solve problems, and share knowledge even while maintaining social distance.
Other Measures
Above and beyond our standard risk assessments, the JDC staff are providing our clients with separate risk assessments specific to the coronavirus. Because maintaining clear communication is essential, each risk assessment includes guidance on handling public relations and maintaining the optics of the event. We are also in ongoing communication with host cities, venues and other suppliers to be aware of their efforts and policies pertaining to the virus. These communications, as well as our risk assessment plans, are feeding into a review of our clients’ business continuity and crisis management plans, which explain what steps would be taken if the virus were to directly impact an event.
The JDC Events team is working with clients to review event insurance policies and force majeure clauses in contracts with venues, hotels and other suppliers, in case it should become necessary to postpone or cancel an event. Additionally, the team is proactively reviewing scenarios in which events are held (at later date) but participation is reduced due to the virus.
JDC Events is committed, first and foremost, to the health and safety of our event participants. As the events industry continues to monitor the virus, ongoing communication is key – with clients, suppliers, exhibitors and attendees. We will continue to keep participants up-to-date with the latest advisories and best practices.
Queries: Kara Dao, Senior Director, Client Engagement and Operations – kara@jdc-events.com