UNITIS published an open letter to the cosmetic industry regarding events still projected to be held in late 2020, as COVID-19 restrictions are expected to lighten.

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With the pandemic, there is still much uncertainty as to how it will evolve in the different countries and how long the current international restrictions for travel will be in place. As the cosmetics industry has already witnessed, this has forced companies to rethink priorities of health and safety, which will continue in the following months.

Consequently, the industry is not in the position to invest effort, time and money in organizing or attending exhibitions; and for safety purposes, most companies have issued internal policies limiting the travels of its teams and prohibiting attendance to large events. Those policies are likely to remain in practice for the whole year 2020. As a result, the attendance at exhibitions is expected to be low.

Previously: EFfCI Appeals to Event Organizers: Postpone Until 2021

Industry events have always served as important platforms for the promotion of cosmetic ingredients and services, and as a valuable tool to boost innovation and to strengthen the contact and collaboration within the whole cosmetic chain.

During the last few months, to cope with the shortage of antibacterials, antiseptics, etc., the cosmetic supply chain has invested in production tools for the manufacturing of hydro-alcoholic gels for the benefit of hospitals and medical staff, and as a way to contribute to solidarity in difficult times. While companies are trying to keep up with the high demand for COVID-19 prevention, exhibition organizers are advised to fulfill their commitment regarding social responsibility—by postponing any events to 2021.

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After analyzing all aspects, UNITIS urges any international business exhibitions to be feasible during the remainder of 2020, and bids trade fairs and exhibitions organizers to be sensitive to the reality and constraints of the industry.

UNITIS advised in its letter, “We sincerely believe that the best service to our industry under the current situation would be the postponement of all the planned fairs till the next year 2021, without any financial penalties for exhibitors. Most players in the cosmetic industry share the same observation and other economic sectors have already led the way by canceling any events scheduled this year. Cosmetics cannot live in a bubble. Today’s efforts will be rewarded tomorrow, and combining forces will help us all.”