Easyfairs has announced that its Lab Innovations 2020 event, which was due to take place on 4–5 November at the NEC, Birmingham, is now postponed until 3–4 November 2021.
This decision has been made following consultation with the laboratory industry and due to the ongoing global scope of the coronavirus pandemic which sees the UK government reviewing its decision to allow live events to run from 1 October and places Birmingham, where the event was due to take place, under local lockdown.
Lab Innovations reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the industry can have a valuable opportunity to meet digitally and reignite business connections, by recently launching its new Lab Live virtual series in partnership with key industry players and associations. The online events cover topics such as sustainability, social distancing in the laboratory, professional registration, and efficiency assessment frameworks.
Alison Willis (Divisional Director of Lab Innovations) explained: “Despite being given the green light by the UK government to run business events back in July, with this decision now suspended, teamed with the stringent safety and sanitary protocols we had in place for this year’s event, we have been in close consultation with the laboratory industry and all stakeholders in the event regarding their concerns around bringing the whole community face to face at this time. Considering the global situation, the social distancing restrictions and the requirements of our exhibitors, we have made the extremely difficult decision to postpone this year’s edition to 2021.”
Willis added: “During this difficult and unprecedented time, I have been overwhelmed by the support that we have had from the industry for the event and its critical role in bringing the industry together again. This year the laboratory industry has been centre stage like never before and we are proud to serve a community that plays a critical role in helping us get through the pandemic safely. We know that Lab Innovations 2021 will play a vital role in reigniting new business connections, will demonstrate pioneering case studies and will therefore be the perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate the hard work of the community. I would like to thank everyone for their unwavering support and understanding, and express our ongoing commitment to the incredible businesses in this sector.”
See the full press release online here.
Further information about the Lab Live virtual series and the 2021 event is available online or by email.