Farmaceutical firms Moderna and Pfizer have applied in December 2020 for permission from the medical authorities to distribute their corona vaccines in both Europe and the US, and the UK has already moved for first distribution in December. That is the first real good news since the world – and our industry – came to a standstill in early 2020. The pain is not yet over, but at least there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Media report that – unless the approval process is derailed like in the case of AstraZeneca – first vaccines could be applied as early as in January. That means the first phase of vaccination might start, and issues with allocation, distribution, and execution can be dealt with. In most countries emergency workers, health care workers, and vulnerable citizens will be first in line for vaccination, it might well take into the summer before the majority of the population can be brought vaccinated. Until then, afflicted industries might be hesitant to resume their operations in full force.
For our international business, flights need to be available, travel restrictions have to be reduced and event organizers have to get their act together. The option of taking events online has been taken up only marginally, and while the online exchange of information will stay with us, it has far from replaced the physical meetings we were used to.
As it took in normal circumstances three to six months to get major events organized, we expect a partial resumption of activities in the second half of 2021. As the information on the effectiveness of the vaccination campaigns come in, we might resume activities well before the second half of 2021. Do get in touch if you are interested in discussing opportunities.
