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Airlines resume flying but what will the fall-out be for events industry?

According to cross-industry organization data at least 300,000 people were stranded as a consequence of the clouds of Icelandic volcanic ash over our airspace.

Eventia agency members are reporting from w/c 19^th April, about two-thirds of their events were cancelled or deferred with groups on the ground being flown back to the UK via clear European airspace then by coach and ferry.

Banks Sadler Operations Director, Karen Rice comments, "We are working with hotel chains, travel and ground partners to successfully find alternative routes and solutions for our clients"  

Where events have gone ahead they have been run with contingency plans in place, some sending staff from other parts of the world if necessary to run them.  There has also been an upsurge in clients turning to agencies to implement crisis and risk management processes which has proved very successful with staffed 24 hour support in place for clients including the weekend period. 

“We have been working with our clients and account teams 24/7 in order to put alternative arrangements in place, including overland travel - in one case for 600 delegates returning home from a pan-European event.  All of these events have gone ahead as planned but with some modifications to programmes in response to changes in arrival and departure times in the destinations concerned.”  Comments Mark Saxby, Sales & Marketing Director, WorldEvents. 

Eventia hotelier members estimate an average loss of £500K - £700K per day.  They are working with clients to be as flexible as possible with cancellation terms and conditions, with many saying if a client rebooks the event within 12 months they will not apply the cancellation charges.  Hotels are charging stranded customers the same amount as when they booked the accommodation as best practice and to avoid charges of profiting from stranded visitors. 

Cancellations could continue to be a significant issue, not just for the coming few weeks but into the summer period as event organisers may not want to risk any ongoing volcanic activity affecting their events.  Financial impact is hard to quantify at this stage but it may not be as significant as it could be as agencies are working with both clients and suppliers to reschedule wherever possible.  

Now that airspace across most of Europe has re-opened it is anticipated that future events will go ahead with minimal disruption, although a small number due to take place over the next few days have already been deferred as a precautionary measure. 

Izania Downie, Eventia CEO comments, ‘The view seems to be events have by  and large been postponed where possible rather than cancelled and already rebooked for later in the year both at minimal cost and disruption to the client.  Feedback indicates that all suppliers are being extremely understanding and clients are grateful for the support.  

Overall it has been a difficult time, especially with the ongoing amendments to the no-fly zone and times, but everybody has reacted very well as there was no way of planning for an event of this kind.  Crisis management kicked in and delivered.”