Even the handshake is being called into question this flu
season. Nearly two-thirds of planners would stop shaking hands at
events to prevent the spread of germs, and another 21 will encourage
attendees to do the same, according to a recent survey by M&C
Research.
Of the 133 respondents, 64 percent are somewhat concerned about a
pandemic affecting future events; 19 percent are extremely worried.
Among precautions they're taking: 74 percent will provide
hand-sanitizing gel at meetings, and 60 percent will urge attendees to
stay home if they are ill. More than half (52 percent) already have a
pandemic response plan or plan to develop one. Thirty-six percent are
adding pandemic concerns to their cancellation clauses.
Many respondents already have experienced disruptions due to the threat
of flu. Eleven percent have had to cancel or postpone events this year
as a result, and 12 percent moved a meeting specifically due to the
H1N1 outbreak.
Four percent of respondents have replaced or supplemented live events
with videoconferencing or virtual events due to the threat of flu, and
another 16 percent are considering doing so.
