CIC Urges Calm in Response to H1N1 Virus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP
571-527-3116
kkotowski@conventionindustry.org

CIC Urges Calm in Response to H1N1 Virus
Restricting Meetings of Limited Benefit in Stopping the Spread of Disease Says World Health Organization

Alexandria, VA (May 4, 2009) — The Convention Industry Council (CIC) urges governments and opinion leaders to strike a delicate balance of accurately and adequately informing citizens of health concerns without unduly discouraging travel, business meetings and other important economic activities.

“The World Health Organization has stated clearly that no travel restrictions are in place, and according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Swine Influenza (swine flu) should not discourage people from traveling or conducting business within the United States,” said Eric Allen, Executive Director of the Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association, and Chair of the CIC Board of Directors. “All citizens should heed the advice of medical experts when determining how best to protect themselves from illness, and not media reports.”

According to the CDC, individuals should take common sense steps to protect themselves including washing your hands frequently, using alcohol-based hands cleaners when warranted, and staying home if you get sick.

“The meetings industry is already in distress because of the realities of the current economy as well as travel restrictions on companies receiving government bailout money. What we don’t need is yet another reason to cancel meetings based on panic and media speculation,” states Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP, Chief Operating Officer for the CIC. “We must listen to the medical experts and proceed accordingly.”

According to the U.S. Travel Association, a 25 percent a drop in international travelers to the United States would result in 1,243,146 fewer arrivals and spending losses of $2.6 billion.

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The Convention Industry Council’s 34 member organizations represent more than 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. CIC facilitates the exchange of information develops programs to promote professionalism within the industry and educates the public on its profound economic impact. CIC’s programs include the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program, the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) initiative, and numerous industry resource projects.