Despite a growing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Florida, InfoComm is still expected to be held this October, but all attendees, vendors, exhibitors and staff will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing, according to AVIXA.
In an email to the InfoComm and AV community, the organization cited concern over the Delta variant of the virus that is fueling a surge in several parts of the country. Among the hardest-hit states is Florida, where the current surge has produced more daily cases than at any point during the pandemic.
This year’s show, scheduled to take place Oct. 23-29 in Orlando, will require masks to be worn by everyone in attendance regardless of vaccination status. AVIXA is also reinstating a six-foot social distancing guideline across the show, including exhibit areas, meeting rooms and education sessions.
In the email, CEO David Labuskes also said the organization is evaluating on-site testing, vaccine validation and other safety and precautionary measures “that will allow us to get back together in person in the safest environment possible.”
As the situation rapidly evolves, AVIXA may institute further protocols to ensure everyone’s safety at the show, Labuskes wrote.
“This means you will be receiving proactive communication about new protocols and safety measures as they are available,” he said.
The show was already pushed from mid-June to late October, and the in-person event in 2020 was reimagined into a virtual event, so there hasn’t been a traditional InfoComm show since 2019.
The show is less than three months away, and the situation will likely be much different by then, Labuskes cautions.
“As you can remember, 70 days ago safety procedures were remarkably different than they are today and are likely to differ by October 23, 2021,” Labuskes wrote. “Please know that we are doing everything in our power to bring the community together as safely as possible for those who can and want to be there in person.”
According to the InfoComm website, other protocols include controlled occupancy in education rooms, one-way entry and exit doors, masks required on shuttle buses, and encouraged hand washing.
