As of this week, the Competitive Carriers Association and the National Association of Broadcasters will require proof of COVID vaccination to gain entry to their upcoming shows.
The Wireless Infrastructure Association says it’s following CDC guidelines. Those currently recommend wearing masks indoors. All three associations are conducting a hybrid of in-person and online versions of their conventions.
All the associations stress that the COVID protocols are fluid and can change quickly so attendees should be prepared for that.
CCA’s show is first, scheduled for September 20-22, in Phoenix. It says those who are not vaccinated will need proof of a negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours before check-in at the show. “Attendees will not be permitted into CCA meeting space before showing proof of one of the above,” the association said Wednesday. CCA attendees and staff “are strongly encouraged” to wear face masks regardless of vaccine status, while attending all CCA2021. Social distancing measures also will be in place.
All meals will be prepackaged and/or served in the exhibit hall by a Phoenix Convention Center employee, who will wear a mask/gloves and will receive daily temperature checks. Personal hand sanitizers available at check-in desk, and sanitization stations will be available throughout the convention space. Also, a no handshake policy will be in effect, notes CCA.
WIA’s Connect (X) is October 4-7, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. It encourages attendees “to be vaccinated or have a negative PCR test within three days of travelling to the show,” the association states on the show web page.
In a statement to Inside Towers yesterday, Jason Nelson, Vice President of Partnerships and Development at WIA, said: “The health and safety of all attendees, staff, and exhibitors is our top priority. We are following, and will continue to follow, all CDC guidelines regarding event sizes, social distancing, and masking. We are continuously monitoring the rapidly changing situation, as well as keeping in contact with the venue and local officials.”
According to the Connect (X) COVID Protocols page, rooms will be set-up for social distancing. Name badges, lanyards and conference bags will be available for pick-up. Hand sanitizer will be provided in conference bags and positioned throughout the meeting space. WIA, too, has a no contact policy.
The National Association of Broadcasters is holding the NABShow (October 2-13) and Radio Show (October 13-14) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Sales and Management Television Exchange and AES Show (Audio Engineering Society) are co-locating in Las Vegas.
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced this week that large indoor venues in cities like Las Vegas and Reno can opt out of the state’s mask requirements if they can verify their guests are vaccinated. “This gives an option for event organizers to choose between requiring masks indoors for all attendees — regardless of vaccination status — or making the choice to only allow vaccinated individuals into their events, and letting the fully vaccinated take their masks off,” he said, according to the Associated Press.
In an update on the show’s health and safety protocols this week, NAB EVP/Managing Director, Global Connections and Events Chris Brown said: “We have worked for the past several weeks to finalize protocols that will maximize the experience and safety of all members of the NAB Show community. This process has involved extensive consultation with health and safety experts, gathering feedback from a range of exhibitors and attendees, and review of the safety measures recommended by national and local health authorities,” as well as Sisolak’s announcement.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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