Prospects for 2021
As 2021 began the eyes of the world were on the vaccination rollout. Would delivery be fast and sufficient? Are the vaccines as effective as the first large-scale research indicated? Will the Netherlands succeed in vaccinating rapidly? With new and more infectious mutations lurking around the corner, it appears that large-scale vaccination is a precondition for leaving the pandemic behind us structurally. We hope that the summer will contribute to society’s recovery, and its social recovery in particular. We have focused our efforts on postponing events that were planned in the lockdown period, and counting on a very busy second half of the year.
Upscaling The first Fieldlab test event organised by the Dutch event sector, a business meeting with 500 participants, took place at the Beatrix Theatre in Utrecht in February. Various test events have been held at multiple locations since then and the results so far are hopeful: visitor behaviour was carefully monitored and measures thoroughly tested.
We are ready Our The Stage is Yours! concept is ready to welcome 1,175 visitors in a safe and responsible way. Upscaling to larger events with a lettable floor space of more than 116,000 m² is possible. Our COVID protocol covers all required regulations and guidelines and helps organisers, exhibitors, suppliers and visitors ensure the welfare and safety of all stakeholders.
Scenario Based on the insights currently deemed realistic, we expect business and consumer events to be allowed and organised again after the summer of 2021. We also expect additional COVID measures to remain a necessity. The starting points applied for our future expectations are explained on the following page. We will continue to apply our four-track policy until the RAI can operate in a normal situation.
In conclusion The Board thanks all stakeholders for their involvement, efforts and understanding. We also thank our employees for their hard work, creativity and perseverance. Thankfully, many of the employees whom we had to let go in the reorganisation have already started jobs elsewhere. And we wish every success in particular to those colleagues still seeking a new post.
67
