After a global pandemic forced AVIXA’s Infocomm 2020 in Las Vegas to be cancelled, they switched gears and brought us Infocomm 2020 Connected in June, their first-ever completely virtual show. With strict CDC guidelines and exhibitors pulling out, many industry tradeshows followed suit. Now that vaccines have been released for most of the population and CDC guidelines have become less stringent, tradeshows are once again being scheduled as in-person events and the upcoming Infocomm 2021 will be taking place October 23-29, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Safety protocols have been announced to keep in person attendees as safe as possible.
At Infocomm 2021, one of the top AV tradeshows in the country, visitors will be required to wear masks at all times. Orange County Convention Center is requiring that masks fully cover the nose and mouth and if patrons choose to wear a face shield, they must also wear a mask. Neck gaiters, open chinned bandanas and any mask with vents or holes of any kind will not be permitted. Replacement masks will be available for those whose masks may not fulfill the requirements. The show website does state that medical reasons prohibiting the adherence to mask rules will be considered on a case-by-case basis if accompanied by a doctor’s note.
To facilitate social distancing, there will be limited in-booth traffic, one-way traffic patterns, separate entry and exits, controlled occupancy of public spaces and education and meeting rooms and signage throughout to remind and encourage safety protocols. Infocomm is also providing an app to schedule appointments with vendors to provide convenience and to aid in limiting personal contact.
For meeting and education sessions, meeting room furniture, surfaces and equipment will be cleaned and disinfected throughout the day. The show floor and high traffic areas will be disinfected overnight. And of course, the all-important hand sanitizer stations or hand-washing facilities will be provided at entry points and high contact public areas.
The show is also requiring advance registration via their website. They have announced that onsite registration terminals will be for badge pickup and registration record updates purposes only. Registration terminals will also be spaced 6 feet apart, plexi-glass barriers will be provided between staff and visitors and single-use disposable styluses will be used for touchscreens.
For more information on all protocols including travel and transportation, visit https://www.infocommshow.org/health-safety.
