With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation having deteriorated amid the prevalence of the delta variant, NAB has announced that proof of vaccination will be required to participate in the upcoming NAB Show. This rule will apply to attendees and exhibitors alike, and it will be in force on the show floor and for all co-located events. NAB made the announcement via an emailed letter from Chris Brown, EVP and Managing Director, Global Connections and Events, NAB.
The letter stated, in part, “We have worked for the past several weeks to finalize protocols that will maximize the experience and safety of all members of the NAB Show community. This process has involved extensive consultation with health-and-safety experts, gathering feedback from a range of exhibitors and attendees, and review of the safety measures recommended by national and local health authorities, including Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak’s important announcement this week regarding large events.”
Proof Of Vaccination Required
The letter continued, “Taking this all into account, we will require all attendees and participants to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. We think this is a positive step in reducing the spread of COVID-19, and [we] will provide further details on implementation as well as other safety measures under consideration.”
The resurgent COVID-19 crisis has affected a range of fall trade shows for the commercial AV industry, including CEDIA Expo and InfoComm 2021. Over the last eight days, CEDIA Expo has shed more than two dozen exhibitors due to health-and-safety-related concerns. Meanwhile, fewer than two weeks ago, AVIXA announced that masks will be required throughout InfoComm 2021.
There has not been a large-scale, multi-thousand-person commercial AV trade show within the United States since 2019.
For more news from Sound & Communications, click here.