Brand Licensing confirms Testing Partnership for Overseas Visitors

Brand Licensing Europe announces partnership with ExpressTest by CignPost to facilitate all testing needs for international attendees. Organiser also reiterates robust health and safety plan including new mask requirement

Brand Licensing Europe has partnered with ExpressTest by CignPost to facilitate all testing requirements for international attendees. Anyone needing to take a day two test to enter England will be able to purchase a ‘click and collect’ testing kit to be picked up at ExCeL. The tests can be self-administered in any location with results uploaded online. Those requiring a ‘fit to fly’ test for re-entry into their country of origin will also be able to benefit from an onsite service with tests carried out by CignPost staff in secure private meeting rooms at the venue.

The test booking service will open during the first week of November and information will be communicated via the BLE website, social media channels and direct communications with event customers. Attendees are also reminded to join the next BLE webinar at 2pm (BST) Tuesday October 26, where the team will provide information on this new partnership as well as the show’s health and safety plan. Attendees can register for the webinar here.

ExpressTest by CignPost is one of the leading UK testing providers, an ABTA partner and a UK government listed COVID-19 screening service, which provides fast, accurate and reliable testing. They said, “We are delighted to be working with Brand Licensing Europe as official testing partner, providing both gold-standard PCR and lateral flow tests for exhibitors and delegates alike.  ExpressTest has been at the forefront of testing to help businesses operate through the pandemic.”

This latest partnership is just one of the many measures in place to help the safe return to live events by organiser Informa Markets. In addition to requiring proof of vaccination, negative test or natural immunity to enter ExCeL and an extremely comprehensive list of other safety measures, organisers are now also requiring that masks are worn by attendees. Medical exemptions will apply, as well as allowing for the removal of masks when eating and drinking. The team is also asking attendees to be respectful of each other during business meetings and wear a mask if their meeting partner requests it.

The full BLE health and safety plan can be found here and ExCeL London’s safety plan can be found here.

“As a safe event organiser, BLE is committed to going above and beyond UK government guidelines with a robust set of safety measures and the facilitation of required testing for international attendees,” said Anna Knight, VP Licensing, Informa Markets.

“We are all looking forward to the return of Brand Licensing Europe and the bringing together of the licensing industry. Nevertheless, it’s imperative that we do this as safely as possible and remove any challenges related to international travel for a significant contingent of our audience. I’m pleased to be announcing our partnership with CignPost and to reiterate our commitment to attendee safety as we approach the final countdown to BLE 2021.”

• Visitors can find out more in the next BLE webinar update at 2pm (BST) Tuesday 26 October
• Brand Licensing Europe, in-person, 17-19 November, ExCeL London