With its doors reopening for the first time in 18 months from 5 September to 8 September at the NEC in Birmingham, Autumn Fair will introduce C-19 status checks for all attendees on arrival at the show.

Following the government’s latest guidance, and working in consultation with the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), show organiser Hyve Group has confirmed that all attendees – including visitors, exhibitors, contractors, venue, and organiser staff – will be asked to verify their Covid-19 status on arrival.

This means all attendees will need to demonstrate proof of Covid-19 status for entry to the event. This will need to be one of the following:

• Proof of completion of a full course of vaccination two weeks prior to arrival.
• Proof of a negative Lateral Flow Test taken within 48 hours of arrival (retaken and reported every 72 hours).
• Proof of natural immunity shown by a positive PCR test result for Covid-19, lasting for 180 days from the date of the positive test and following completion of the self-isolation period.

Further details on how to prove your COVID-19 status and FAQs can be found HERE and further information for international exhibitors and visitors will be provided very soon.

Hyve Group operations director Ian Solomon said: “The health and safety of our customers and community have been, and continues to be, a top priority as we return to delivering events and facilitating trade again. As such, it was imperative for Autumn Fair to verify attendees’ Covid-19 status on arrival.

“We have made the decision to implement Covid-19 status checks, even though this is not currently mandated within government guidelines, as the evidence suggests this is the best way for us to reduce the risk of transmission within the event itself.

“Putting these checks in place adds an additional layer of reassurance for all attendees once they are inside the event. Furthermore, our risk assessment is substantial, and our updated ‘Safe & Secure Guidelines’ are designed to deliver industry-leading health and safety standards and procedures that will help put the minds of our community at ease.”

The guidelines include a reduced contact registration system, and exhibitors have been given a wealth of advice on exhibition stands, including guidance on stand layout, data capture, staffing and displaying product effectively.

Autumn Fair will also be a mask-friendly event. Whilst it is no longer mandatory to wear masks within event spaces, Hyve Group is encouraging all attendees to consider wearing masks, especially when in enclosed or crowded spaces.

“Autumn Fair is a curated show for a new era of retail, designed to provide the essential networking and product inspiration that the industry has missed during the pandemic”

Julie Driscoll, Hyve managing director of retail & fashion.

Hyve Group managing director of retail & fashion Julie Driscoll commented: “Autumn Fair is a curated show for a new era of retail, designed to provide the essential networking and product inspiration that the industry has missed during the pandemic. All the measures being put in place are to help exhibitors and visitors feel confident about attending events once again. There is huge pent-up interest, but quite rightly we need to provide clear information and the correct procedures. The new guidelines enable exhibitors and visitors to understand what to expect on site. With our long-standing heritage and experience, we can confidently deliver a trusted platform and marketplace for physical business to take place again and give buyers the chance to discover a whole host of inspirational products and collections from returning favourites, as well as new, sustainable, made in Britain, and a huge number of ‘exclusive to the Autumn Fair’ brands.”

The updated ‘Safe and Secure Guidelines’ can be viewed at https://www.autumnfair.com/safe-secure with a dedicated section for exhibitors at https://www.autumnfair.com/safe-secure/guidelines-for-exhibitors.

Visitors can register to attend Autumn Fair at www.autumnfair.com/visitor-registration and exhibitors can apply to be part of the show at www.autumnfair.com/get-in-touch.