The marketing day is canceled - other organizers wait and see

A bitter blow for the Swiss marketing industry: The Swiss Marketing Forum (SMF) cancels the Marketing Day. "The SMF board has been monitoring the situation this week and has currently discussed the situation. We have come to the conclusion to definitely cancel the Marketing Day on March 10, 2020. That means everything on stop," said President Uwe Tännler. "Everything that makes up Marketing Day prohibits us from holding it: handshake, networking, Face 2 Face, the shared experience, moving together - not only in the concert hall." Currently, the company is keeping numerous options open - for example, a postponement to the fall of 2020 is possible.

Best of Swiss Web on course

Another big event taking place in the next four weeks - on April 2 - is Best of Swiss Web at Samsung Hall. Organizer Heinrich Meyer reveals himself at the request of the Advertising Week confident that the event can take place as planned. "At the moment we are proceeding according to the regular planning. In week 11, by 15.03.2020 at the latest, we will reassess the situation." Since Best of Swiss Web welcomes fewer than 1,000 guests, the event does not fall under the event ban imposed by the Federal Council anyway and would have to be assessed by the canton of Zurich. "If the situation has not calmed down by mid-March, we would evaluate a postponement," Meyer said. Tickets already sold would thus retain their validity.

Brand(thing) may be carried out

Things are also looking good for the Swiss promotional products fair Marke(ding), which is already scheduled to take place on March 11 in the Samsung Hall. "As things stand today, following consultation with the canton of Zurich, the authorities have confirmed that we will be allowed to hold the Marke(ding)," organizer Michael Mätzener told the Advertising Week.

Swiss Poster Award and ADC clarify implementation

One event that would also be scheduled to take place as early as next week is the Swiss Poster Award on March 12. "We are currently in the process of carefully examining the possible impact of the coronavirus epidemic on the Poster Night with around 350 guests in Hall 622," Nadja Mühlemann of organizer APG|SGA told Werbewoche.ch. "APG|SGA is in contact with relevant experts. We would immediately inform invited guests about a postponement or possible cancellation."

ADC is also waiting and doesn't want to rush into anything. The ADC Gala will take place this year on March 28. "ADC Switzerland is closely monitoring the development of the situation in connection with COVIT19 and is currently carrying out all necessary clarifications. If the situation changes, we will inform at the appropriate time," says managing director Gioia Bozzato on request.

Packaging Award and Effies wait

The Swiss Packaging Award has a little more time. "The judging of the Swiss Packaging Award took place last week as planned," says Susanne Köhler of the Swiss Packaging Institute SVI, when asked by Werbewoche.ch. "As for the awards ceremony at the Empack trade fair, we will have to wait and see. If Empack as a major event is canceled, we will have to look for an alternative solution." However, he said there is still time until mid-April. "We are confident that we will not be affected," Köhler said.

The Effie Awards Switzerland, which will be presented on May 5 in the Samsung Hall, have even more buffers. On the part of the organizers, one waits and shows no concern yet. "We are constantly checking the situation and recommendations from official sides and will react accordingly if necessary," says Kathrin Leder from Leading Swiss Agencies at the request of the Advertising Week.