In light of the announcement from PSI that they are moving their event to April 2022, we would like to reassure exhibitors and visitors that Merchandise World continues to prepare for the UK trade to meet Wednesday 26th & Thursday 27th January 2022 at the CBS Arena in Coventry.

 

The team are of course keeping a close eye on the new “Omicron Variant” and its effects, along with any future Government advice.

 

A recent update from the WHO (World Health Organization) on the 28^th November 2021 concluded:

 

• Transmissibility: It is not yet clear whether Omicron is more transmissible (e.g., more easily spread from person to person) compared to other variants, including Delta. The number of people testing positive has risen in areas of South Africa affected by this variant, but epidemiologic studies are underway to understand if it is because of Omicron or other factors.

 

• Severity of disease: It is not yet clear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease compared to infections with other variants, including Delta.  Preliminary data suggests that there are increasing rates of hospitalization in South Africa, but this may be due to increasing overall numbers of people becoming infected, rather than a result of specific infection with Omicron.  There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those from other variants.  Initial reported infections were among university students, younger individuals who tend to have more mild disease, but understanding the level of severity of the Omicron variant will take days to several weeks.

 

• Researchers in South Africa and around the world are conducting studies to better understand many aspects of Omicron.

 

We will of course only hold Merchandise World in January should it be safe to do so, but at present nothing has really changed to give tangible reasons for plans to change. Should the situation worsen, Merchandise World would still take place in 2022 and all exhibitors deposits for their stands at the show would be automatically transferred. As ever, we remain optimistic and preparations continue full steam ahead.

 

For exhibitors investing in stand builds, deposits on hotels etc., we would hope that your bookings can be done under the understanding that the dates are flexible.

 

It is also worth noting that PSI cancelled their event mainly in response the high level of Covid in Germany and mainland Europe – As things stand the UK is fairing considerably better. Added to this there was concern regarding travel restrictions, access restrictions, quarantine regulations, etc. – As the vast majority of our visitors & exhibitors are from the UK most of these would not be an issue for us.

 

We are of course watching the situation very carefully and will keep everyone informed as more news is available.

 

To find out more about Merchandise world or to view the Covid Safety Policy, please visit: www.merchandiseworld.co.uk

 

 

 

Published on: December 2nd, 2021