The organisers of the World Spa and Wellness Convention, have announced the event will go ahead in London on 11-12 October 2020.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on 17 July that: “Business events, conferences and events centres will be given the go-ahead to reopen on 1 October – all events will have to adhere to social distancing.”

This easing of lockdown will only remain in place if rates of infection remain at current levels or decrease.

The convention is an opportunity for international spa and hotel directors to come together to network and share their experience of operating successful spas, as well as engaging in panels with leaders from within the industry.

The event is part of the group’s wider Professional Beauty London exhibition, which also features the World Spa and Wellness Awards and Salon International.

Mark Moloney, MD of organiser, Professional Beauty Group, said: “It’s been a difficult time for us all and many businesses will face significant challenges, but we believe Professional Beauty will help unite the industry and serve a catalyst to reboot, reconnect and kickstart business.”

The event will be held at London’s ExCel Centre, which functioned as a temporary 'Nightingale Hospital' for ventilated patients held in comas during the worst of the pandemic.

The event will operate with regard to new hygiene and safety procedures, including:

• Timed entry to spread the flow of visitors – all who attend will be asked to select a preferred entry time on registering
• Smartphone entry tickets to ease queueing/li>

• Online booking throughout to limit waiting – all tickets will be available to book, both before the event and while it's taking place
• Strict sanitisation measures – cleaning of all areas of the venue and exhibition stands and features
• Widespread availability of hand sanitisers
• Wider aisles to increase space between attendees
• Temperature screening
• Longer opening times
• Strict trade- and professional-only policy. No members of the public will be permitted, to restrict numbers and ensure an enhanced environment for industry professionals