Emirates Old Trafford is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted at the Exhibition News Awards in the category of ‘Best Venue Event Safety Plan’, following the delivery of bio-secure behind-closed-doors international cricket this summer.
Emirates Old Trafford welcomed the first international travellers during the pandemic as the West Indies squad arrived into Manchester airport before quarantining in the on-site Hilton Garden Inn hotel and training at the ground. The venue went on to host 21 days of international cricket with Pakistan and Australia also travelling over to play England throughout the summer.
The international fixtures, which were held at both Emirates Old Trafford and the Ageas Bowl in bio-secure environments helped secure multi-million pound broadcast revenues alone.
The category is a new COVID-19 category which sit alongside the traditional line-up, and were announced to recognise the achievements of the industry during lockdown and include online events, fundraising initiatives and supplier and venue safety products and plans.
Commenting on Emirates Old Trafford’s efforts this summer, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester: “We are all very proud of the team at Emirates Old Trafford for the work they have done to turn it into a safe and secure venue. As a city-region, we pride ourselves on the diverse number of major events we host and getting this industry back up and running is of huge importance, because we need to bring people back into our towns and cities to support our local economy.”
Martin Fullard, EN's editorial director, said that the industry has not stood by in 2020, despite being totally shut down since the onset of the pandemic: He noted: “How the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the exhibitions industry is becoming a well-worn path. There isn’t an organisation in the land which has not felt the effects, although some have suffered more than others. Yet despite this, there have been some inspiring instances.
“We have seen organisers and suppliers rally their networks, be it through fund raising initiatives, product plans or online events that have brought people and ideas together. The industry has demonstrated resilience, even in the extreme absence of clarity, and we should recognise that.”
The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 5 February 2021.