Reed Exhibitions, the organizer of the ISC West and ISC East security events, has created a Health & Safety Task Force to develop and implement policies and best practices around COVID-19 response and prevention, according to an email released today. "These policies and best practices are being updated and adjusted as more information and guidance becomes available, and we will regularly share the most up to date information with our ISC customers," the message says.
The task force is focused on five operational pillars related to health and safety: show layout and logistics, including expo floor plans, entrance/exits and recommended booth guidelines; physical distancing, including capacity and flow of people; health screening and medical response; cleaning, sanitization and personal protective equipment; and conference rooms, special events and talent handling.
The message does not indicate that any changes to the October 5-8 show dates are planned for ISC West; however, it does indicate that some degree of conversion to a virtual event is being considered. "Whether we are able to continue the physical/face-to-face event, convert to a hybrid approach, or transform to a fully digital/virtual format for this year, the health and safety at industry events, office facilities, transportation facilities/systems, and entertainment and hospitality venues remains top of mind for ISC and Reed Exhibitions," the message reads.
The message adds that Reed is considering several guidelines and procedures that the venues have or will be rolling out in the coming weeks, including:
- Clear messaging displayed throughout the venue and provided in advance to all customers and staff;
- Health questionnaires, non-invasive entry screening and monitoring, including additional medical facilities and response teams;
- Hand sanitizer dispensers deployed throughout exhibit hall and other areas;
- Use of disinfectant products that have been pre-approved and certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against emerging viruses, bacteria, and other airborne and blood-borne pathogens;
- Sanitization of key touchpoints (such as door handles) during peak periods and regularly throughout the event;
- Modifying the exhibit floor to accommodate physical distancing, capacity limits and traffic flow;
- Modifying all common areas, entrances and exit areas with appropriate physical distancing;
- Transparent barriers where appropriate to provide physical distancing at customer-contact areas and service elements;
- Clear guidelines around booth design and cleaning requirements for all exhibitors and on-site inspections to ensure compliance with those requirements;
- Limiting of conference session capacity and revised layout for appropriate physical distancing with additional time between conference sessions to allow for thorough room cleaning and sanitization;
- No handshakes policy; and
- Requiring the use of face coverings when individuals may not be able to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between themselves and others.
As of Thursday, The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas (which is attached to the Sands Expo Center) remains closed, but according to its website, it anticipates reopening on June 4. As of now, ISC East remains scheduled for Nov. 18-19 in New York.
