Health and Safety Guidelines at IAAPA Expo

Duty of Care

IAAPA is focused on providing a safe and healthy environment for attendees, exhibitors, and our team at IAAPA Expo. IAAPA is working closely with our partners at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) to develop and implement a comprehensive plan focused on a safe and successful IAAPA Expo 2022. IAAPA is also following the latest guidance and recommendations for large groups and meetings from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is a living document that will continue to evolve, incorporating innovative features that will further enhance the onsite experience and safety for everyone in attendance. Guidelines subject to change based on local health and safety policies. The following are as of March 24, 2022.

COVID Risk Statement

Before you register, please note:

Public health agencies warn some individuals may be at increased risk in public places. Some government health organizations recommend people 65 years and older, those who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, and people with underlying medical conditions (particularly if not well controlled) should either remain home or keep their distance from others. Underlying medical conditions include conditions such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, immunocompromise, severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher), diabetes, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, and liver disease.
Guests, employees, and visitors need to abide by all guidelines and recommendations to ensure their own health and safety and to ensure the health and safety of others.

We rely on you to protect yourself:

If you’re sick, please don’t participate and encourage your family/traveling party not to participate until everyone is well.
Wash your hands with soap and water or sanitize your hands often, and particularly after you touch surfaces touched by others.
Avoid touching your face.
Maintain appropriate physical distance from others.
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask/face covering

Even with precautions in place, there is still some risk of exposure to COVID-19. We are committed to keeping you healthy and safe and have taken a number of precautions, including those recommended by applicable health authorities, but we cannot guarantee you won’t be exposed to COVID-19.

Masks/Face Coverings

All individuals age 2 and above will be required to wear a face covering while on Expo transportation. Any individual age 2 and above who is not fully vaccinated will be required to wear a face covering while inside at the convention center or inside at Expo-related events. IAAPA recommends a face covering for vaccinated individuals, as well.

Complimentary masks will be available for those that need one. Face coverings should:

Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the attendee to remain hands-free
Neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas, and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable forms of face coverings

Hand Washing/Hand Sanitizing

Frequent hand washing with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds is encouraged to help combat the spread of germs. Touchless hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the facilities including restrooms, concourses, food and beverage areas, meeting rooms, registration areas, and the trade show floor. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Touchless Alternatives

Meeting and greeting are a core part of IAAPA Expo. To help reduce the potential spread of germs and to maintain physical distance, consider no handshaking, hugging, or touching others. Suggested alternative greetings include say hello, wave to a person, or give a nod. Attendees are discouraged from sharing printed business cards and exhibitors should consider touchless devices such as lead retrieval options.

Cleaning and Disinfectant Procedures

The OCCC has received the GBAC STAR™ Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® for its coronavirus cleaning and prevention efforts. The OCCC’s enhanced cleaning and disinfectant procedures adheres to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidance. OCCC staff have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms and commonly touched objects such as hand railings and door handles. The OCCC’s current guidelines are here: www.occc.net/guidelines. You can find OCCC Operational Procedures here.

Onsite Medical

IAAPA has partnered with Orlando Health, one of Central Florida’s most recognized health care systems. IAAPA attendees will have access to 24/7 medical care through Orlando Health’s Virtual Visit program, which connects guests directly to a physician through their phone, tablet, or computer. In addition, we will have an on-site first aid team to assist anyone who is unwell, including anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

IAAPA encourages participants to be vaccinated, but it is not a requirement to attend. All IAAPA staff and several of our vendor partners, including the OCCC, are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated participants will be required to wear a face covering while inside at the convention center or inside at Expo-related events.

COVID-19 Testing

More information will be provided about COVID testing available during IAAPA Expo 2022. Testing is currently available at the Orlando International Airport which offers rapid-result COVID-19 testing. Information is available here. Both CVS and Walgreens also offer COVD-19 services including at-store and at-home testing. If you need a test to fly to another country, please check with your airline which COVID-19 test is required and how far in advance of your departure the test may be taken.

Personal Accountability Commitment

By attending IAAPA Expo in Orlando, FL, you agree to abide by and engage in the health and safety guidelines outlined. Anyone with symptoms such as fever or feelings of being sick should not attend, including anyone who has been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19. Please contact [email protected] for refunds.