Health and safety measures for ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020 continue

ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020 takes place March 10-14. Photo: ConExpo-Con/Agg

This article was updated March 6 with additional information about show registrants.

More than 4,000 people registered this week for ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, which manages the trade shows.

Show management also continues to take steps to create a safe and healthy environment in the wake of coronavirus developments.

“Registrations are on track to make ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE 2020 one of the largest in show history,” says Dana Wuesthoff, ConExpo-Con/Agg show director. “We recognize news about COVID-19 (coronavirus) is a concern and we want to be as transparent as possible about what we are doing to provide a safe and successful experience for everyone at the show.”

According to AEM, 92 percent of show registrants are from North America while 8 percent are from outside of North America. A small percentage of the international attendees registered were from Asia, and many of those cancelled.

To alleviate concerns about coronavirus, show management is increasing deployment of hand sanitizer stations across the show floor, grounds and meeting rooms, as well as increasing the cleaning schedule of all public areas.

Show management also arranged for “no handshake” buttons and stickers to be distributed at the show. In addition, large signage will be visible throughout the show to remind attendees of hygiene best practices and guidelines provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

“We know how much a solid handshake can mean to engender trust and bonding between two people discussing major business decisions,” Wuesthoff says. “But in the interest of keeping everyone as healthy as possible, we want to impress upon everyone that it’s okay to replace that custom with something as simple as a thumbs up, a wave, a fist or elbow bump, or even the exchange of mobile phone numbers.”

According to show management, advance registration for the shows is well ahead of the 2017 show, with more than 130,000 people expected to attend and interact with more than 2,500 exhibitors.