It only has begun, but the ripples of the COVID-19 have shaken the event industry like dominoes falling one by one: each affecting multiple rows of people just waiting to get the hit.

Canada and the rest of the world have never experienced an outbreak to spread so quickly, causing an international pandemic and mass hysteria. 

A similar petition is in the works for the US and by the time this petition is being written, it has already garnered more than 21,000 signatures out of the 25,000 it seeks to receive. The author, Isaac Rothwell of Digerati Productions said it best "The purpose of this petition is to sound the alarm on a massive economic catastrophe that is transpiring in our nation." The losses in global economy we are about to see are estimated to $2.7 Trillion, according to Bloomberg.

There are multiple facets to organizing an event and the massive cancellations are affecting so many people who rely on these gatherings to make a living. From organizers, sponsors, suppliers, vendors, technicians, project managers, cab drivers, local pubs, hospitality venues, caterers, restaurants and so much more earn their living through events. We are all being affected by COVID-19.

I have heard many of my colleagues refer to their current situation as being on 'survival mode' and this pandemic has barely scratched its ugly surface. After the alarm is lifted, the world will still be weary of it and avoid human contact for months before feeling secure enough to leave their homes.

Our families, friends and loved ones are already facing major financial setbacks and will continue on this devastating trend with no end in sight. We need our government to step up and provide assistance now before all is lost.

We plead for other event industry professionals to stay strong and support one another by signing this petition. We plead to our government officials to rise up and help Canadians during these desperate times.

Respectfully,

Trish Marasigan - Owner, Fotomoji Booth Co. / VP of Marketing and Communications, ILEA Calgary Chapter

Sources

"Covid-19 Federal Aid Package for Events Industry" - Isaac Rothwell, Randy Pruitt, Trevor Zulinke – Digerati Productions
Omar Colom - AV Educate
https://www.change.org/p/donald-j-trump-federal-aid-package-for-events-industry?recruiter=662751554&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=psf_combo_share_initial&recruited_by_id=60c872d0-d7c4-11e6-8c8f-fbf15422ef31&utm_content=fht-20795479-en-us%3Av12&fbclid=IwAR1AQnp-o6l0NohxUwbamnKTvmoktu8HOrj1ou403z09SuojBosxowLXvdo&use_react=false 

"Coronavirus Could Cost the Global Economy $2.7 Trillion. Here’s How" - Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-coronavirus-pandemic-global-economic-risk/

"Coronavirus cancellations: From E3 to the 2020 NBA season, a list of events hit" - CNET 
https://www.cnet.com/news/coronavirus-cancellations-from-e3-to-the-nba-a-list-of-events-that-have-been-hit/