Are you a hugger? A firm hand-shaker? A European kiss-on-the-cheeker?
Well if you're planning to attend some festivals, conferences or other networking opportunities in the coming months, I might recommend becoming an avid fist-bumper.
Today we learned that Mobile World Congress in Barcelona will see a drop in attendance—and might even be suspended to a later date—after at least 25 companies announced plans to withdraw from the event due to the ongoing coronavirus scare. And we're not talking about small players dropping out; Facebook, Intel and Amazon are all staying home, meaning more are likely to follow their lead.
Whatever happens with MWC, you can bet that fears of viral exposure will arise at several more events in the months ahead.
We at Adweek have more coverage on this issue coming soon, but for now I recommend scanning this brief, common-sense piece by my colleague Ian Zelaya about how to stay healthy at conferences and networking events.
Can you avoid exposure to viruses while still being a professional human being who has to make contact with others? No. Can you carry around so much sanitizer, your satchel or purse looks like a miniature Duane Reade? Yes, and please do.
Yours with a fist bump followed by silently backing away,
David Griner
Creative and Innovation Editor, Adweek
David.Griner@Adweek.com
