One of the U.K.’s leading franchise expos has been postponed, amidst growing numbers of Coronavirus cases.
The organizers of the International Franchise Show, London 2020 have postponed the show due to rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in the U.K., and the fluidity of advice from the British government.
Due to previously take place on April 3 and 4, 2020, the show has now been moved to September 4 and 5, 2020. The International Franchise Show will remain at the Excel exhibition center in London, and visitor numbers should return to expected levels by this time.
“This is a not a decision we have taken lightly,” said Christian Yandell, managing director of the show. “In consultation with our exhibitors, venue management at Excel and potential visitors we have come to the conclusion that the show will be better moved to September to give government and health authorities ample time to assess the virus and its implications.
“Health and safety of our exhibitors, visitors, and our own staff is of paramount importance and we have taken this step to ensure that no one under our care is put at risk, no matter how small. We have listened to our franchising community and feel that there is no other course of action at this point.
“We are delighted that our partners at Excel value the event and have secured premium September dates for us in 2020. We feel that the show will be even more important later in the year to help create new business opportunities and mitigate current financial issues. We will continue to communicate with exhibitors and attendees to ensure that the show in September is a huge success. We are making this announcement today to give speakers, exhibitors, and visitors as much notice as possible and to make plans accordingly.”
