During this period of uncertainty, we at EDE Corporation feel it is our role to help trade show managers and marketers keep up-to-date with the progress of the Events and Coronavirus. We chose five major cities we felt would be the bellwethers for guiding the reopening nationwide. The following are reports and governmental links as to where each city currently sits, as well as the plan to open for larger gatherings.
Atlanta Events and Coronoavirus
Atlanta, GA is currently in stage 2 of a 5-step plan to reopen, under the jurisdiction of Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. This plan is different from the general plan enacted by Governor Brian Kent. For the city of Atlanta to progress into phase 3, they will need to continue a 14-day downward trend of COVID cases and hospitalizations along with 50% hospital critical care capacity. Regarding trade shows and events, trade shows will be allowed once they get to stage 5, with event applications for consideration being accepted during stage 3.
We have spoken with Jesse Amador, who is our Sho-Link City Manager in Atlanta, and he has expressed that things are looking hopeful and positive for potential events to resume late August as of current standings.
The next major trade show scheduled is the International Woodworking Fair, scheduled for August 25-28, 2020
Here are some helpful links to information about Atlanta’s plan for Events and Coronavirus:
Atlanta Strong – Reopening Phases
Georgia Department of Health – Status Reports
11 Alive – How to Get Atlanta to Phase 3
Chicago Events and Coronoavirus
On May 19th, Chicago transitioned into phase 3 of a 5-phase process to reopening on May 29th, under the jurisdiction of Gov. J.B. Pritzker. With regards to the return of tradeshows, the state of Illinois will have to get to Phase 5. What will it take to move to this phase? Testing, tracing, and treatment for workers and families, with either a vaccine or treatment options readily available that ensures health care capacity is no longer a concern, or that there are no new cases over a sustained period.
McCormick Place is working with Governor Pritzker to transfer conventions to stage 4 instead of 5, similarly to what has been done in Germany. The hope is that with the measures taken by McCormick Place to achieve new accreditation on cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention, there might be an opportunity for B to B events to arrive earlier. However, the momentum is not favoring that, with the conventions Label Expo and RSNA both cancelling recently.
The next major trade show scheduled is Pack Expo which is scheduled for Nov 8-11.
Here are some helpful links to information about Chicago’s plan for Events and Coronavirus:
Chicago Coronavirus Response Center
Las Vegas Events and Coronoavirus
Las Vegas is currently in phase 2 of a 4-step plan to reopen as of May 29, 2020, under the jurisdiction of Governor Sisolak. Phase 3, a major step in reopening, is currently slated to begin June 30, 2020 and revolves around easing restrictions on public and mass gatherings. Regarding trade shows, while they have not been specifically defined, they will most likely reopen once phase 3 is attained. This may even occur earlier than planned if data trends continue to be positive. We have spoken with Robert Tarolla, the Sho-Link Las Vegas City Manager, and he mentioned hotels will start reopening soon, paving the way for stage 3.
The next major trade show currently scheduled in Las Vegas is: National Hardware Show Sept. 1-3, 2020 Las Vegas Convention Center
Here are some helpful links to information about the Las Vegas’ plan for Events and Coronavirus:
NEVADA-UNITED-ROADMAP-TO-RECOVERY
Nevada Phase 2 Specific Guidance
New Orleans Events and Coronavirus
New Orleans remains in stage 1 of a 4-step plan to reopen, with the rest of Louisiana moving into stage 2. The original target was to move New Orleans to stage 2 by June 5th, but that has been extended with the hope that the city will move into phase 2 soon. The plan is under the jurisdiction of Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Governor John Bel Edwards. In regard to trade shows, trade shows will be allowed once they get to stage 4, which occurs when we have a vaccine or widespread immunity in the population.
Tim Hemphill (Vice President of Sales and Marketing) with the MCCNO Convention Center said: “Unfortunately, there remains some uncertainty for live events including trade shows. Our first traditional trade show still scheduled is for the first of October. NOLA’s phasing lags behind the state which was announced yesterday.
We have spoken with Sho-Link City Manager Kirk Krause, who is located in New Orleans. He said there are smaller events still scheduled starting the last week in July.
The next major trade show scheduled in New Orleans is: Weftec – October 3rd-7th 2020.
Here are some helpful links to information about New Orleans’ plan for Events and Coronavirus:
New Orleans Convention Center
New Orleans – City Website
Orlando Events and Coronoavirus
Orlando is currently in stage 2 of a 4-step plan to reopen, under the jurisdiction of Govenor Ron DeSantis and Mayor Jerry Demings. The latest major step in the progress just started on May 4th and revolves around opening restaurants and stores at limited capacity (50%) and keeping parties to a maximum of 10 people. Trade shows will be allowed at a reduced capacity once they get to stage 3, and at full capacity at the final stage. Stage 4 occurs when there is no evidence of a rebound or resurgence of COVID-19 cases and satisfies the benchmarks outlined in their “Safe. Smart. Step-By-Step.” Plan.
We have spoken with Sho-Link’s city manager, Greg Matthews who is located in Orlando, and he has said that a few events like the RV Show and Boat Show are planned to go and are set to start getting everyone back on track.
The next major trade show scheduled in Orlando is:Surf Expo – September 10th
Here are some additional links to information about Orlando’s plan for Events and Coronavirus:
Additional PDF on their phases
https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/covid19/Safe%20Smart%20Step_Templat4.29%20FINAL.pdf
EDE’s Event and Coronavirus Plans
Part of our plan for Event and Coronavirus is ensuring the safety of our clients and their attendees, and to give our clients peace of mind:
- EDE will work within social distancing protocols to layout exhibits in a logical and safe way for both attendees and exhibit staff.
- Our onsite labor teams will follow CDC protocols, with daily check in, temperature recordings, hand washing and sanitizer, and safety masks.
- EDE will be providing our on-site labor teams, whether through Sho-Link or EDE supervisors, disinfectant sanitizing wipes to wipe down all surfaces prior to each day of the show.
- EDE will provide our clients with packages of sanitizing wipes to be accessible in reception desks and storage rooms
- EDE will encourage clients to avoid utilizing touch screen displays or headsets of any sort until there is a Covid-19 vaccine.
