rare occurrence happened in August 2020 – a few business events took place in the United States . One was the business-to-business Summer Las Vegas Market at the World Market Center ( WMC ), an International Market Centers property in Las Vegas , NV . Another was the Super Pet Expo , a business-to-consumer show held at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly , VA . Both were held on private property – a key differentiator because most exhibition centres in the US are publicly owned .

Unlike the convention centres in Las Vegas , the WMC is designated as a merchandise mart , subject to similar rules as malls – 50 % capacity indoors , so they were allowed to hold their event under current Nevada Covid-19 rules . Unlike past Markets , only permanent showrooms were

permitted to open . Normally the biennial Markets also have temporary exhibits on the property .

Both shows were down in exhibitors and visitors , but overall organisers were pleased to have held the physical events . Roger White , senior vice-president , tradeshow and logistics operations , International Market Centers ( IMC ), credits extensive planning with the success of the largest B2B event held in the city since mid-March this year .

A Reopening Taskforce , comprised of representatives from all departments , met twice weekly , beginning just after the March government-mandated lockdown . Subcommittees were formed on subjects such as hotel shuttles , travel , logistics , registration , the arrival experience , and mask compliance . They spent a lot of time working through many scenarios , including safely managing egress of

Bottom : Entrance to the World Market Center , Las Vegas

people from the 17-storey buildings at show close via the elevators .

Because there is no national policy on the pandemic response , including opening events , both shows ( located on opposite sides of the country ) faced different government hurdles in order to open safely . Organisers worked with respective government officials to ensure protocols were adhered to : “ Engage your local government agencies and partners much earlier in the process than in normal circumstances . They may not understand what you are trying to do . Concessions may have to be made ,” was their advice .

As part of a larger organisation , the Las Vegas Market team had a chance to test drive some of their proposed solutions on earlier events held at the Atlanta Mart in Georgia and High Point , North Carolina . It also had the expert advice of top epidemiologist