Licensing professionals will finally have the chance to meet face to face, non-digitally, as Brand Licensing Europe returns this month with its first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
But, with the Delta variant still creating a threat to health, BLE says it’s pulling out all the stops to ensure the event is safe for attendees.
As a result, Brand Licensing Europe has partnered with ExpressTest by CignPost to facilitate all testing requirements for international attendees. Anyone needing to take a day two test to enter England will be able to purchase a click and collect testing kit to be picked up at ExCeL.
The tests can be self-administered in any location with results uploaded online, says BLE. Those requiring a fit to fly test for re-entry into their country of origin will also be able to benefit from an onsite service with tests carried out by CignPost staff in secure private meeting rooms at the venue.
The test booking service will open during the first week of November and information will be communicated via the BLE website, social media channels and direct communications with event customers. Attendees who want more information on health and safety measures can also join the next BLE webinar at 2 p.m. (BST), Oct. 26, where the team will provide information on this new partnership as well as the show’s health and safety plan. Attendees can register for the webinar here.
ExpressTest by CignPost is one of the leading UK testing providers, an ABTA partner and a UK government listed COVID-19 screening service, which provides fast, accurate and reliable testing.
“We are delighted to be working with Brand Licensing Europe as official testing partner, providing both gold-standard PCR and lateral flow tests for exhibitors and delegates alike,” the company said in a statement. “ExpressTest has been at the forefront of testing to help businesses operate through the pandemic.”
This latest partnership is just one of the many measures in place to help the safe return to live events, says conference organizer Informa Markets.
“As a safe event organiser, BLE is committed to going above and beyond UK government guidelines with a robust set of safety measures and the facilitation of required testing for international attendees” says Anna Knight, vice president of licensing at Informa Markets. “We are all looking forward to the return of Brand Licensing Europe and the bringing together of the licensing industry. Nevertheless, it’s imperative that we do this as safely as possible and remove any challenges related to international travel for a significant contingent of our audience. I’m pleased to be announcing our partnership with CignPost and to reiterate our commitment to attendee safety as we approach the final countdown to BLE 2021.”
In addition to requiring proof of vaccination, a negative test or natural immunity to enter ExCeL, organizers are now also requiring that masks be worn by attendees. Medical exemptions will apply, however, and attendees can remove masks when eating and drinking.
The team is also asking attendees to be respectful of each other during business meetings and wear a mask if their meeting partner requests it.
The full BLE health and safety plan can be found here and ExCeL London’s safety plan can be found here.
The Brand Licensing Europe event runs from Nov. 17-19 at ExCeL London, a major venue in the heart of London’s historic Royal Docks, 10 minutes from Canary Wharf and 20 minutes from the City.