June return for conventions and exhibitions

Shanghai's convention and exhibition industry, languishing for months since the COVID-19 outbreak, is expected to gradually return to normal from June.

On Tuesday, the Shanghai Convention and Exhibition Industry Association released "Guidelines for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in Shanghai’s convention and exhibition industry,” clarifying the regulations on organizing exhibitions and conventions.

According to the guidelines, organizers will assume primary responsibility for prevention and control of the pandemic, make full preparations before events, control the flow of visitors, ensure sanitation at venues, and guard against risks.

It is also suggested that staff and visitors wear face masks in venues, and organizers should control the number and scale of meetings, forums and activities.

On May 8, the State Council issued guidelines for COVID-19 prevention that gave the go-ahead for conferences and exhibitions, saying that "with strict prevention measures in place, shopping malls, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants should be all opened … and indoor areas and enclosed entertainment places, such as libraries and cinemas, will be allowed to hold conferences and exhibitions if necessary."

On Monday, it was announced that ChinaJoy Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference, the country’s biggest games show, will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center from July 31 to August 3.