Representing the majority of event companies who organise exhibitions and trade fairs in Ireland, the Irish Events Organisation Association (IEOA) has supported its members through seismic challenges throughout the decades, none of which as great as the current global pandemic. Our sector was one of the first affected by cancellations and total shut down. However, as we move to the easing of lock-down restrictions and the Government’s clear Five Step Roadmap, we are highlighting the importance of our collective role in helping to stimulate economic growth for thousands of Irish SMEs. The IEOA members deliver exhibitions an trade fairs with audiences of under 5,000, and the IEOA is confident that the new proposed protocols will enable events to operate safely, fully adhering to the Irish Governments guidelines on social distancing.