Swine Flu

Dear readers, it is interesting to observe the industry reaction on the outbreak of the terrible Swine Flu - our thoughts are with our industry colleagues, especially in Mexico.

The first international association to react, as far as we are aware, was site; CEO Brenda Anderson sent a letter to the members, which you may read here...

On Facebook, MPI CEO Bruce MacMillan left this message: "MPI Swine Flu Update: We are collaborating to rapidly mobilize information and messages for the meeting and events industry"

Immediate reactions on Bruces' blog posting were:

Thank you so much for acknowledging this matter and providing additional links for follow-up. But primarily I appreciate MPI for not sensationalizing the situation like so many other informational resources are doing.
Posted by Midori Connolly on 4/27/2009 11:34:58 PM

I just had one client conference in May get cancelled due to the Swine Flu outbreak. It was a training conference for Canadian health care professionals involved in infectious disease outbreak investigation and control and they are all too busy at the moment dealing with the outbreak to be able to attend. While the loss hurts, I am proud & comforted to know that Canadian health care professionals are mobilized & taking action to keep this under control!
Posted by Chuck E. Schouwerwou, CMP on 4/28/2009 10:13:49 AM

The spanish hotel chain Sol Meliá prepares its hotels in Mexico and expects only a minor impact on its results. The chain puts its Prevention Protocol into action against swine flu and redirects some of its hotel bookings, at no extra cost, to other destinations in the Caribbean. The chain forecasts a minor impact on results due to the limited importance (1%) of hotel revenues from the area in May and June, the low season in Mexico.

So far, that's it. No panic whatsoever, which is good. I am wondering, if there is any impact on any coming industry events.

What is your gut feeling? Have you heard of any reactions or actions within the industry globally? Let us know, please!

Best wishes,
your CIM editors -


Katrin Schmitt