DALLAS — The number of trade show organizers now requiring proof of vaccination for anyone planning to attend their shows in person has just grown — the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) just announced that it too will have a vaccination requirement for Expo! Expo! 2021, scheduled for December 7-9 in Philadelphia. IAEE joins the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) for its recent CEIR Predict conference, IMEX Group for its IMEX America show in November, and the Professional Convention Management Association for its Convening Leaders convention at CAESARS FORUM in January 2022.
Related: ASAE to Require Vaccination at Events
And it’s not just meetings industry trade shows that are adding a vaccination requirement for entry: The Monster CES tech show, which will be held in Las Vegas in January 2022, has also added a vaccination requirement, as has the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Global Health Conference and Expo, which was held in August, also in Las Vegas. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) had also initially added a vaccination requirement before deciding to cancel the show, which was scheduled to be held in October in Las Vegas.
Related to this. Acceptance of proof of vaccination required for large events is increasing
For the IAEE Board of Directors, which voted unanimously in favor of requiring proof of vaccination, it was “the right decision for our trade show community at this time,” said IAEE 2021 Chair Bob McLean, CPA, CAE, CEM, executive vice president of Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). “We look forward to having the best and safest Expo! possible this year in Philadelphia.” The show will also follow local requirements, which currently include mask requirements at all Philadelphia businesses that do not require employees and customers to be vaccinated. Attendees and exhibitors will be able to submit proof of vaccination through the secure Fern Health Check platform powered by ShareMy.Health.
“We respect our members’ right to choose whether or not to be vaccinated,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. However, he added, “We have a responsibility to provide and maintain the safest possible environment for all attendees. We believe attendance will actually increase due to our health and safety policies. For those who choose not to attend in person, we are offering digital/online opportunities for them to consider and participate.”
Related. Epistemix modeling lays the foundation for safe living rooms
For those unable to attend in person this year, IAEE will stream general sessions and exhibitor mobile sessions from the show floor, where all educational sessions will take place this year, as well as pre-recorded content on event operations and international trade shows, including the IAEE Asia Forum on December 9. Exhibitors will also have dedicated hours to meet with buyers one-on-one on the virtual platform.
In-person attendees at this year’s Expo! will find an educational program packed with sessions on the strategic skills leaders and businesses need today to meet tomorrow’s challenges; attendee and exhibitor acquisition and retention; the latest event technologies; operational effectiveness; safety, security and risk management; and partner sales and sponsorships; as well as leadership and management skills and sessions on wellness and self-care.
To learn more and register, visit the IAEE Expo! Expo! website.
Contact Bob McLean at (972) 258-3085 or bobm@ppai.org; David DuBois at (972) 687-9204 or ddubois@iaee.com