PB London 2020 plans confirmed as the UK government announces exhibitions will resume from October

Plans for the Professional Beauty London & Salon International show at ExCeL are moving ahead at full speed following a statement from the Prime Minister on Friday confirming exhibitions will be allowed to resume from October.

In his coronavirus statement on July 17, Boris Johnson said: "From October, we intend to bring back audiences in stadia and to allow conferences and other business events to recommence." 

An update to the Government guidance was published shortly afterwards, which states states: "From 1 October, if prevalence remains around or below current levels: we will bring back audiences in stadiums, and allow conferences and other business events to recommence in a COVID-19 Secure way"

On October 11-12, the Professional Beauty Group will be welcoming visitors and exhibitors to the ExCel centre for its London show, alongside Salon International and the World Spa and Wellness Convention and awards.

Following the Prime Minister's announcement that the Nightingale hospitals will remain in position, ExCeL released a statement, clarifying that the Nightingale equipment is in storage there and it is in a position to host safe, organised events from October 1. 

Jeremy Rees, chief executive of ExCeL London, added: “The vast majority of the venue (90%) has been restored to its original state, with the remaining space secured as equipment storage for NHS Nightingale. This ongoing support will not impact the normal operation of our venue and we look forward to hosting safe, secure, and successful business events and conferences from 1st October onwards.”

Mark Moloney, managing director of the Professional Beauty Group, said, “The Government has given a clear indication that business events can take place from October 1. During lockdown the PB team have been doing all we can to keep the profession connected and it’s been so good seeing the community coming together and supporting each other.

"We have also been planning for October to ensure Professional Beauty and its sister show, Salon International are a success. It’s been a difficult time for us all and many businesses will face significant challenges, but we believe Professional Beauty will unite the industry and serve a real catalyst to reboot, reconnect and kickstart business”

New safety measures at PB London & Salon International:

The Professional Beauty Group has also announced a host of Covid-19 safety measures for the PB London Show, which include:

• Timed entry to spread the flow of visitors – all who attend the event will be asked to select a preferred entry time on registering 

• Smartphone entry tickets to cease queues – e-tickets will replace printed tickets with limited collections on-site

• Online booking throughout to limit waiting – all tickets will be available to book, both before the event and while it is taking place

• Strict sanitisation measures – intense cleaning of all areas of the venue and exhibition stands and features 

• Widespread availability of hand sanitisers  

• Wider aisles to increase the comfort and space between visitors within the show

• Temperature screening 

• Longer opening times

• Strict trade and professional-only policy. No general public will be permitted; this is to restrict numbers and ensure an enhanced environment for genuine industry professionals.

Interested in attending this event? Register here.