UPDATE: Large-capacity venues in Nevada will soon have the option to bypass the indoor mask mandate by requiring attendees to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19, Gov. Steve Sisolak announced Monday evening. To opt in, venues must have fixed, ticketed seating for an attendance above 4,000, said Sisolak, noting that a verification system would have to be in place and staff would be trained to distinguish between the fully vaccinated and the partially inoculated.
UPDATE: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required for everyone who attends the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas in October. “We think this is a positive step in reducing the spread of COVID-19,” NAB’s Managing Director, Chris Brown, wrote in a statement. Brown promised further details on implementation as well as other safety measures.
NAB officials did not immediately say whether attendees would need to be fully vaccinated – two weeks past their final vaccine dose – or if a single dose is acceptable.
Read NAB’s full statement here.
When the National Association of Broadcasters returns to Las Vegas this fall for its first face-to-face conference since the pandemic began, attendees will be asked to follow safety health guidelines and allow for physical distancing due to COVID.
In an update since this story was first posted, the association says it is now recommending that all attendees wear masks while onsite.
[Note: Clark County, where the Las Vegas Convention Center is located, is one of the counties currently under a state mask mandate as of early August, requiring the use of masks indoors, because of high transmission rates. The mandate reportedly is to be reviewed every two weeks.]
NAB said it is monitoring COVID-19 health and safety protocols outlined by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and local health officials in Clark County, Nev. It will adjust its approach as needed, an NAB spokesman told Radio World.
The association estimates that 85% of its expected attendees are either already vaccinated or intend to be by the time the NAB Show begins in mid-October, according to its website.
Also, meeting rooms and floor theaters at the Las Vegas Convention Center will be capped at 75% of capacity, NAB says.
“We are constantly reviewing the guidelines and collaborating with other event organizers on what they are doing and discussing daily any changes we may want to make,” NAB wrote in a recent email to attendees.
The group’s website covers many health recommendations, including asking attendees to register at one of their satellite locations prior to arriving at LVCC. This year will feature a touchless registration and feature a technology that allows attendees to obtain credentials in a safe, touch-free process, according to NAB.
NAB Show safety measures are numerous, according to the NAB website:
- Visitors may be required to undergo health screenings such as temperature checks or other screening processes upon entry to LVCC;
- A “no contact” policy will be observed. Attendees are asked to refrain from greeting others using physical contact;
- Exhibitors will be asked to safely design booths and layout exhibit space. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to order enhanced cleaning and disinfection services for their booths;
- Hand sanitizer will be placed in all public areas, including meeting room corridors, show floor and food and beverage areas (“Don’t forget the COVID handshake … #elbowbump,” NAB wrote in a promotional email);
- Attendees can download a free download through the NAB website called COVID Trace, an easy to use mobile app that notifies users of potential exposures to COVID-19.
The NAB Show from Oct. 9–13 marks the return of major trade shows for the group. The NAB has only recently started hosting small executive level meetings at NAB headquarters in Washington.
Las Vegas area businesses returned to prepandemic guidelines on June 1, and removed all limits involving capacity limits and large gatherings, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. However, Clark County health officials issued orders, effective July 22, for all employees of businesses across Las Vegas to wear masks. The employee mask requirement only continues until Aug. 17, but could be extended, according to health officials.
This story originally appeared in Radio World.
