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2020.7.20 Report

Coronavirus in Japan: B2B Event Update

At the beginning of March, we posted our blog on the status of B2B events in Japan and the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on them. This blog aims to give a brief update to the current situation in Japan and of B2B events here. 

Much has changed in the 4 months as people adjust to what has become a ‘new normal.’ Most of the world has had to drastically change the way we work and live starting from the first case of the Novel Coronavirus in December 2019. Businesses have had to switch to almost entirely remote work and change their marketing plans due to the cancelation of physical events. People and businesses are still having to adapt to the constantly changing situation.

Current State in Japan

Japan facing rising cases initially declared a state of emergency on April 7th and lifted after one month in May. Daily cases peaked on April 12th at 743 confirmed cases but near the state of emergency cases were down to around 14 - 90 new cases a day.

People have slowly begun to go back to work and small events have become possible again. However, in recent weeks Japan has once again began to see a rise in confirmed cases. With this in mind many businesses do not yet feel that it is the right time to hold large physical events and have chosen to postpone or cancel.

Many events are also being switched to virtual. Some companies, including Bigbeat, have even gone as far as building small studios in their  offices to run seminars for their marketing activities and it has become difficult to find high-quality cameras at electronics stores due to businesses buying them all up for their seminars!

Bigbeat's Rockup! Studio located in our office.

Precautions being taken

Even if events are slowly becoming possible again, businesses have to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
Here are some of the most common tactics companies are using. 

・In the case that events are held, staff, visitors, and exhibitors are being asked to wear masks. 
・Some companies are placing temperature readers at the entrance of buildings. 
・Bottles of hand santizer are being placed at the entrance of buildings, and some companies are even going as far as to require people to use them before entering. 
・People are being let into buildings in intervals to keep crowd numbers down. 
・Food is not being served at events. Especially buffet style food. 
 

Status of B2B Events in Japan 

There are still some major B2B events that are being planned for later this year. Take a look at the below events for an update on their status and which events are still planning to be held as of now. 

 Manufacturing World 2020 [in Nagoya] 
 Date: Septmeber 9-11, 2020
 This trade show was rescheduled from April 2020.
 EDIX Tokyo 
 Date: September 16-18, 2020
 This trade show was rescheduled from May 2020.
 Manufacturing World Osaka 
 Date: October 7-9, 2020
 To be held as planned.
 FIT 2020 Online (Japanese only)
 Date: October 8-9, 2020
 Digital FIT will be held online as FIT 2020 Online. 
 Business AI 2020 Online (Japanese only)
 Date: October 14-16, 2020
 Business AI will be held online this year.
 CEATEC 2020 Online
 Date: October 20-23, 2020 
 CEATEC will be held online this year as CEATEC
 2020 Online.
 Smart Factory Nagoya 2020
 Date: October 21-23, 2020
 To be held as planned.
 Japan IT Week Autumn
 Date: October 28-30, 2020
 To be held as planned.


Be sure to check on the status of the event

Events in Japan are still being heavily effected by the pandemic. And while many events later in the year are still being planned, things can change very quickly. So, if you are planning on attending an event it is important to check on the status of the event often, to make sure it has not been cancelled or postponed. 

Many events are also choosing to go virtual, allowing the events to still happen and business to move forward. 

Bigbeat Inc. has 25 years of experience in B2B marketing. If your company is interested in hosting an event, developing a digital marketing or communication strategy in Japan, and if you need further information or assistance, do not hesitate to contact us!

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