Exhibition and Trade Fair Activity and Economic Crises: response measures and factors for recovery

Abstract

The paper represents the analysis of the impact on the exhibition and trade fair activity of the Russian Federation during crisis situations caused by external factors. The author examined the major anticrisis measures, industry statistics and the main trends in the postcrisis phase. The fundamental role of the exhibition industry as a tool is caused by stimulation of economic sectors recovery from the crisis due to the multiplier effect. The particular relevance of the article is justified by a comprehensive study of the state of the industry during the current crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The author provides an overview of main government support measures for the industry and explains factors that have reduced some of these measures. Also, the author examined in detail activities of non-governmental organizations and associations of the exhibition industry in lobbying for the provision of state support and educational and legal assistance to Russian exhibition companies. Thus, the importance of coordinating activities of all participants in the exhibition industry and, in particular, further consolidation of interaction at the level of industry associations, becomes apparent. Besides, the author suggests a number of measures, such as highlighting exhibitions, trade fairs and congresses from the list of mass events following the example of Germany, introducing insurability for exhibition organizers in case of postponement or cancellation of events due to emergency circumstances, standardizing public health and hygiene rules. Their practical application should mitigate the way out of the current situation.