Trade Show Industry Forges Forward: Safety Protocols Released, Vegas Opening, German Fairs Begin Sept. 1
May 28, 2020
There is no doubt that COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the trade show industry globally, but in the past week or two, there have been several big steps forward to start meeting in person again.
Some shows, suppliers and associations have released health and safety plans on how they are going to look after attendees and exhibitors coming to their events or venues.
Properties in Las Vegas also announced plans for several hotel/casinos that will be opening initially for leisure travel beginning June 4. Everyone is crossing their fingers that all goes well and trade shows and meetings are not too far down the road.
Step by step, the trade show industry continues to forge ahead.
Questex Unveils Plan for Shows
Questex launches a three-phased approach to ensure the ongoing health and safety of event attendees, named the Questex Event Directive.
Questex’s three-phased approach includes: Phase One: Near term measures to follow current government and health regulations; Phase Two: Actions to protect health and safety of our attendees and exhibitors determined by safety of geography; and Phase Three: Ongoing preparedness.
Connect Meetings Releases Detailed Health and Safety Plan
Connect, scheduled to take place Aug. 17-19 in New Orleans, says it is “100% moving forward” with the event that draws thousands of meeting planners and suppliers annually. In an effort to put ‘health and safety’ of the attendees first, Connect put together a plan to showcase the most cutting-edge safety measures available right now and implement them at the show.
PSAV Releases MEETSafe Standards
PSAV’s MeetSafe is a set of tools focused on redesigning events to deliver on the strategic goals of meetings and events while defining new guidelines to minimize risk and promote health. Being able to convene safely will be the first priority of all planning activities going forward, as the ability to conduct in-person meetings will be dependent on making people feel safe in any setting, according to PSAV officials.
AHLA Launches "Safe Stay" for Enhanced Industry-Wide Hotel Cleaning Standards
The Safe Stay initiative is designed to change hotel industry norms, behaviors and standards to ensure both hotel guests and employees are confident in the cleanliness and safety of hotels once travel resumes.
The AHLA Safe Stay Advisory Council is working in conjunction with public health experts, scientists, and medical leaders to develop a series of best practices for the industry.
Caesars Entertainment Set to Open Caesars Palace and Flamingo Las Vegas June 4
In accordance with directives from Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak and the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Caesars Entertainment Corporation ("Caesars Entertainment" or the "Company") today confirms that it will resume gaming and hospitality operations in Las Vegas at its Caesars Palace and Flamingo Las Vegas properties June 4. Caesars health and safety plans are linked above.
MGM Resorts Announces Opening Dates for First Las Vegas Properties
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) ("MGM Resorts") announced its planned June 4 reopening of Bellagio, New York-New York, MGM Grand Las Vegas and The Signature, following the closure earlier this year of all of its U.S. properties amidst the coronavirus crisis. At opening, amenities at all properties will be limited. As demand for the destination builds, additional venues within these resorts will open and other MGM Resorts properties on The Strip will reopen.
Chicago Releases Tourism and Hospitality Forward Plan
Chicago’s fight against the spread of COVID-19 has been both measured and holistic. Chicago’s reopening will need to be equally as holistic and measured. Working to support the City’s overall recovery efforts, Choose Chicago is aligning businesses, organizations and institutions within Chicago’s tourism and hospitality industry to help accelerate the economic recovery from the effects of COVID-19.
The strategy is called Tourism and Hospitality Forward. In both name and approach, its aim is to engage partners, businesses and institutions across the city to ensure recovery is equitable across Chicago’s neighborhoods.
German State of Bavaria Will Reopen for Exhibitions Sept. 1
The Bavarian government is continuing on the path of gradually opening up the economy. Trade fairs can take place again from Sept. 1.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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