The UK remains in the “containment” phase of its response to coronavirus. But some large public gatherings could still be cancelled or postponed to lower the risk.
After an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday, Downing Street confirmed that the UK would continue to “contain” the spread of coronavirus. This involves attempting to slow the transmission of the disease by tracing carriers of it and issuing self-isolation guidance.
This means the current advice from the government is not to ban large public gatherings. However, these measures could come into play further down the line, and some fixtures have already been put on hold.
Here’s a rundown of some of the property shows set to take place in the year ahead in the UK and elsewhere. We show which ones are cancelled, postponed or still running, and will aim to update this as events unfold.
1. MIPIM
- Location: Cannes, France
- Planned dates: 10-13 March
- Current status: Postponed until 2-5 June
This international event offers four days of seminars, conferences and exhibition zones aimed at participants involved in both commercial and residential property markets across the world. With more than 24,000 participants, 3,100 exhibiting companies and 5,000 investors, it offers industry players an opportunity to gain knowledge, build up contacts and showcase their services.
2. National Landlord Investment Show
- Location: UK-wide – London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff
- Planned dates: Various – March, May, June, October and November
- Current status: Cancelled until further notice
The National Landlord Investment Show takes place over six different dates across four locations, giving each show a regional focus. The events welcome around 25,000 visitors each year interested in investing in UK property, and entry is free once you’ve registered on the website.
3. The Property Investor Show
- Location: ExCel, London
- Planned dates: 3-4 April
- Current status: Cancelled – the Autumn edition of the show is still scheduled for October.
This two-day event attracts investors, homebuyers, landlords and property experts, and is aimed at novices as well as experts. With excellent networking opportunities to help attendees boost and share their knowledge, as well as around 75 seminars, presentations and debates, visitors will also have the rare opportunity to meet property developers directly.
4. Property and Business Expo
- Location: Lincoln and Nottingham
- Planned dates: 29th April and 9th November (respectively)
- Current status: Going ahead
Aimed at professionals involved in the property, construction, finance, investment or business sectors, this show offers a broader reach. It is ideal for those looking to network and expand their knowledge of their industries, as well as potentially build their client base.
5. The Luxury Property Show
- Location: Olympia, London
- Planned dates: 2-3 October
- Current status: Going ahead
From beachfront homes in Dubai to luxury apartments in New York, London and Moscow, this exhibition offers visitors the chance to view what’s on offer, as well as attend seminars to gain expertise in the industry. Attendees can build industry contacts and find out about luxury property investment across the world.
If the government decides to go to the next level in its attempt to control coronavirus in the UK, things could change quickly. It could see large public events cancelled until further notice, to try to minimise the spread of the illness, including property shows. Other countries, such as Germany and France, have already banned all gatherings of 1,000 people or more.
As it stands, the advice is for the UK public to be extra vigilant with hygiene and avoid travel to affected areas. More information on current advice can be found here.
