The Meetings Industry Association (mia) is urging venues and organisers to continue asking event attendees to wear face masks, while also keeping in place their meticulous cleaning protocols and stringent risk management practices in its latest guidance.

The comprehensive guidance for venues and business meetings and event organisers has been issued following the government’s publication of non-mandatory advice.

From business plans, sales, show rounds and contracts to cleanliness, F&B, delegate safety and staff welfare, the latest of the mia’s suite of recovery resources has been designed to reinforce the association’s calls for consistency across the sector and to drive confidence in a risk-averse world.

Jane Longhurst, chief executive of the mia said: “With England recently entering step 4 of the government roadmap and restrictions easing across the UK, there has been much anticipation for a return to more standard procedures and practices. Without mandatory government guidance however, there will naturally be differences in service standards and the implementation of COVID-Secure protocols across different venues and organisations.

“We know that the sector is diligent, acts responsibly and maintains the highest of service standards, and that it will continue to proceed with caution through this next transition. However, now is time to proceed not just with caution, but consistency, and we therefore felt it was crucial for us to issue best practice guidance to the sector as we look to assure both government and the public that even in instances of increased cases, we as a sector can provide confidence to event bookers and delegates.”

The guidance considers the safety of both an operator’s staff and clients throughout the entire customer journey and guides you through your risk assessment preparations. mia advises the guidelines should be read in conjunction with your own brand standards and adopted alongside both the latest UK government advice and any specific regional or local restrictions.

Download the guidance here