With uncertainty still surrounding the viability of large-scale in-person events in the United States, many security industry trade shows and conferences have been forced to adjust for the second time in as many years.
In early March, Electronic Security Expo organizers announced it would go fully virtual, canceling its planned live June event in Louisville, Ky. Later in March, ASIS International announced its decision to convert GSX 2021, which is scheduled to take place Sept. 27-29 in Orlando, into a hybrid event featuring both in-person and online attendance options.
Now, according to Will Wise, Group VP - ISC Security Events, Reed Exhibitions, ISC West will offer a hybrid model as well. “At ISC West, the expo will run July 19-21 and the SIA Education@ISCWest will also run across the same three days, with over 65 sessions and 100+ speakers that have been confirmed. In parallel with the in-person conference/event, ISC West 2021 will have a Hybrid model with a virtual conference program (50+ sessions), online product showrooms, and “ISC News Desk” event coverage / interviews and commentary - presented to the remote audience via our ISC West virtual platform that week,” Wise says. “ISC West attendee registration will go live in mid-April, along with hotel room block details, rollout of the full SIA Education@ISC West program, exhibit floor map/layout, and continued guidance on our health and safety protocols."
The state of Nevada on March 12 released a detailed set of COVID-19 related safety guidelines and restrictions for large events (available at https://nvhealthresponse.nv.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/COVID-19-Safe-Gatherings-Guidance-02-2021.pdf) that will greatly impact the planned event. Among the restrictions:
- A venue hosting more than 250 individuals for an event, (live entertainment show, convention, trade show, etc.) may have up to 50 percent of fire code capacity. The number of workers at a venue does not need to be included when considering occupant capacity for the purposes of this guidance.
- A statewide mask mandate will remain in effect in all public areas.
- Health screenings must be performed for every individual prior to admittance to the event, including pre-show screening survey, survey upon arrival and check-in, contactless temperature checks, and surveys at conclusion of event.
- 6-foot social distancing for all seated events and food venues.
- Recommended but not required: COVID testing for all individuals prior to admittance.
- Create a single line of booths instead of double rows. If this is not possible, create a thoroughfare between the two sides with enough space to allow for a single file, one-way path down the middle.
- Giveaway items, business cards, show bags and brochures are discouraged but not outlawed.
- Use of transparent barriers in booth design by all exhibitors.
"As announced by Governor Sisolak on March 12, Nevada has started a process and timeline for re-opening safely, and increasing capacities for entertainment and event venues including convention centers," Wise says. "Here at Reed Exhibitions, we established a Health and Safety Task Force last year, and we are aligned with the SISO All Secure standard for producing safe event environments.”
Keep up to date on any announcements about ISC West at www.iscwest.com.
