As an organizer of more than 400 shows around the world, while always prepared for all possible scenarios, based on current circumstances we believe the show will take place in May 2022. For CPhI North America, as long as there is not a ban on events, we have already investigated and planned all possible options to hold the show and keep it safe. As the situation and related regulations can change at any moment, we are ready to adapt our measures, actions, and activities to reflect these changes.
The event is being organised in accordance with the industry wide AllSecure Standard to ensure the highest standards of safety, hygiene, cleanliness and operational effectiveness for all participants. We are now successfully trading AllSecure live events in China, Japan, UAE and the United States based on these standards. Please see this page for more details.
In addition, the Pennsylvania Convention Center has been recognized as the gold standard of safe venues, becoming the first facility in hospitality and tourism in Pennsylvania and the Tri-State Region, and only the third convention center in the Northeastern United States, to receive the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation on outbreak prevention, response and recovery.
While the number of visitors is one of the event industry’s metrics to measure the success of a trade show, we always believe that quality should take precedence over quantity. Therefore, should we ever consider taking such a step, the number of visitors will not alone be a measure or a criteria on which to base such a decision. We will follow all local government rules that are in place at the time of the event including hall and venue density.
Our smart event model is based on engaging all attendees and visitors both before and after the in-person event. Unlike previous editions before the pandemic, we will enable attendees to access the matchmaking platform and agenda post-show to give you a chance to network in case you are unable to travel. Our online platform will provide those companies that are unable to exhibit with opportunities to engage and network.
For the time being, the decision has already been taken to hold the show and we are preparing for that. However, we will still regularly monitor closely local and international developments with our partners and local authorities. If such a decision needs to be made, it will be timely to minimize the impact.
Guided by Informa AllSecure, a detailed set of measures developed collaboratively with industry associations, event organizers, and venues, CPhI North America 2022 aims to deliver the highest levels of hygiene and safety at its event, providing everyone with reassurance and confidence they are participating in a safe and controlled environment.
With the implementation of Informa AllSecure standard, we have adapted meeting spaces to be fully compliant but also meet the needs of our attendees. We will be having bigger meeting lounges, where tables will be distributed to enable privacy and ensure social distancing. There will also be multiple meeting spaces dedicated to exhibitors where you can hold meetings with your visitors.
Informa, Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Convention Center do not currently require participants to be vaccinated or tested prior to/during the event. If based on local health authorities’ and the venue’s guidelines, vaccinations or (PCR) testing become required to attend an event, we will follow these requirements.
However, all Food and Beverage stations in the Pennsylvania Convention Center require proof of full vaccination (meaning 2 doses of Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or 1 dose of Johnsson & Johnsson COVID-19 vaccine administered at least 2 weeks prior). Any non-vaccinated participants may purchase bottled water to take out into the venue, but food purchases will need to be made outside the venue for those that cannot show proof of full vaccination.
Online pre-registration including a health screening and digital badges will be required to attend the event to reduce the crowds in the registration areas. Onsite registration will not be possible. The entrances and registration areas will be larger and will be designed to allow for safe queueing and contact-less access into the venue.
If there are government-imposed travel restrictions, then we will address case-by-case. If companies make their own decision not to travel, then refunds will not be applied but there is also the right of cancellation for customers subject to payment of a cancellation charge if they choose to exercise this right.
EXHIBITOR WARNING
Do not under any circumstances sign any form from: Expo Guide, ExpoFairs, FairGuide.com, Construct Data Verlag, Tradeconference.info, Fair Express Ltd, GETAFairs & Business, Direct Publisher, International Fairs Directory, GoFair.
These target companies through legitimate exhibition guides. Their current activities cover companies throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia. Expo Guide claims to offer online listing services. They use a form which resembles an organiser's free catalogue listing service, inviting exhibitors to complete the form for an entry in an on-line directory. Unsuspecting exhibitors who sign and return the form are then contracted into a three-year, non-retractable agreement, which could cost you a significant amount of money, with no foreseeable benefits. Included in their group is debt collection agency Gravis Inkasso Gmbh and Swiss debt collection agency Premiumn Recovery AG (a Construct Data subsidiary) which works in partnership with the various guides to intimidate exhibitors into paying.
These publications have no connection with us or any of our events. We strongly advise our exhibitors, and the entire exhibition community, to be most vigilant against this and similar organisations. There are many so-called guides that mail deceptive contracts and then harass those who sign them in error for money. However the sheer scale and systematic way in which these guides attack exhibitors is outrageous. Additional information is available on the website of UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry): here.
If you have any further questions, contact [email protected] or call +31 20 245 5355.