Updated July 28, 2021
The Delta variant has raised concern for businesses and industries due to its contagious nature. As of July 2021, the CDC has added a recommendation for fully vaccinated people to wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. This discovery shakes the foundation that the trade show industry has built up since the initial wave of the pandemic. After a year of Zoom calls and virtual conferences, many businesses were elated to go back to in-person events. But is that coming to an end?
Learn more about what factors contribute to whether trade shows will be canceled.
COVID-19 Variants
The trade show industry is showing signs of picking up. However, the spread of the COVID-19 virus is a threat, and with variants of the disease being discovered, this means that the pandemic is far from over. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted:
“Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur. Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants persist.” Source: CDC Website
The newest of these variants to the United States is the Delta virus. This variant and others tend to spread more easily which may lead to more cases, and this news has caused areas to take action.
Related: Discover Stress-Free Logistical Transportation for Trade Shows and Events
Mask Requirements
Earlier this year, the CDC announced that masks were no longer required for fully vaccinated people, and most states adopted that guidance. Even without masks, safety remained the top priority. However, with news of variants and spikes in cases, some highly populated areas have added mask mandates once more. California, for example, experienced a spike in COVID cases, and in Los Angeles County it is a requirement to wear masks even if one has been vaccinated – at the time this article was written.
Nevada saw a rise in cases as well, and in Clark County – where Las Vegas is located – an emergency meeting was held that approved mask requirements for all businesses and their employees, but not the public.
Are Trade Shows Going to be Canceled?
While there is caution in the air, trade shows are expected to continue. Despite indoor mask mandates put in place again by the CDC, it does not mean the end of trade shows. Consider mask requirements as a layer of protection for public safety, much as it is a layer of protection for your body. As a result of the pandemic, public safety is the most important thing for all businesses and industries moving forward.
Trade shows and live events are no different. There is a significant amount of effort put into providing a safe environment for attendees and exhibitors from trade show associations and their venues. Each has its guidelines for safety, but it’s wise to consider the local laws as well. With this in mind, trade shows will go on, so long as the public continues to keep safety their top priority.
Related Article: Trade Show Checklist: Do You Have What You Need to Exhibit?
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