Sept. 10, 2021 — The Vision Council and RX, organizers of Vision Expo, recently shared the latest VisionSAFE guidelines to be enforced at Vision Expo West from Sept. 22-25 at the Venetian Convention Center & Expo in Las Vegas.
Launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, VisionSAFE encompasses health and safety guidelines, policies, and resources designed to support a safe experience at the trade show. The set of guidelines includes details on health and safety protocols that will be in place on-site, specific guidelines for exhibitors, travel tips and resources, and FAQs.

The updated VisionSAFE guidelines preceded new updates on a Nevada face mask mandate, in effect in each of Nevada’s 17 counties beginning Friday, Sept. 10, and announcements from President Biden regarding a six-prong Covid-19 action plan. 

“Following a safe and successful Vision Expo East in Orlando, we are looking forward to an equally safe and productive show in Las Vegas,” says Mitch Barkley, vice president of trade shows and events at The Vision Council. “During Vision Expo East, we had zero calls to our health and safety hotline, which speaks to the high safety standards we were able to implement throughout the show and also reflects the comfort level of both attendees and exhibitors. We will continue to have a safety hotline at Vision Expo West and look forward to hosting a safe and productive event for all.”

Show organizers have shared that requirements are subject to change and that they will be regularly updated in in accordance with local and state regulations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Current protocols include:

• Face Coverings: In line with state and local regulations, everyone is required to wear a face covering while attending Vision Expo West. Masks are required at all indoor public places.
• Increased sanitization and hygiene: Vision Expo West organizers share that they are working closely with the Venetian Convention Center & Expo to implement cleaning and sanitization standards that meet (and often exceed) the recommendations of the CDC. 
• Directional and distance marking: Show organizers have adjusted the show floor layout and implemented exhibitor guidelines with capacity management and physical distancing in mind. Attendees must follow all floor, directional and distance markings, and signage.
• Signage and direction: Operational adjustments may occur throughout the event in order to ensure the health and safety of all attendees. Organizers ask that attendees please adhere to all signage and direction from all staff. 
• Safety Ambassadors: Safety ambassadors will be onsite and walking the show floor to provide direction, answer any questions regarding health and safety, and ensure all protocols are implemented. Additionally, a health and safety contact phone number will be clearly noted on signage throughout Vision Expo West to allow for reporting of any concerns or issues.

“After hosting a successful JCK Show in Las Vegas last week, we are confident that our safety protocols, combined with the measures in place in Las Vegas and Clark County, will enable us to host a comfortable and safe Vision Expo West,” says Fran Pennella, VP of Vision Expo at RX. “Furthermore, we are closely monitoring changes in local, state, and federal guidelines to update our health and safety protocols. We will evolve our guidelines as needed to ensure we can host a safe show.”

In addition, the “Venetian Clean” Commitment was developed with information provided by the Southern Nevada Health District, the CDC, and World Health Organization, as well as additional guidelines and procedures for sanitation and cleaning, with an emphasis on the prevention of virus transmission. The commitment covers all towers of Venetian Resort, including the Venetian tower, the Palazzo tower, and Venezia tower, as well as the Convention Center and Expo and represents a summary of hundreds of separate initiatives rolled out in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Show organizers share that the Venetian Clean standards have been verified by the Bureau Veritas’ Safe Guard Hygiene Excellence and Safety Label.  Bureau Veritas is a leader in testing, inspection, and certification, and The Cleveland Clinic serves as the medical advisor for Bureau Veritas’ health, safety and sustainability programs, including Safe Guard.

The Venetian Convention Center & Expo holds the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR Facility accreditation on outbreak prevention, response, and recovery. Recognized as the gold standard of safe venues, GBAC STAR provides third-party validation to ensure the implementation of protocols in response to biorisk situations.