US show report |
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“ A Mask Ambassadors team circulated throughout the Campus reminding tenants and visitors to wear their masks properly . They handed out snack bar vouchers to conforming visitors as positive reinforcement of the mask policy .”
- Dr Carlos del Rio , from Emory University .
Super Pet Expo Eric Udler , producer of Super Pet Expo , is an entrepreneur forced to cancel his March show just eight days before it was scheduled to take place . For the new August dates , he first surveyed visitors from the last three years to ask if they were comfortable attending a physical show – and many said yes .
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Many exhibitors were thirsty for an opportunity to sell their wares .
As the third event at the Dulles Expo Center since reopening , Udler worked hand in hand with the venue to follow CDC ( Federal ) Guidelines as well as local and state government regulations , including requiring masks . “ Best advice – speak with the local authorities , work with them and educate them on your events and make sure your facility is side-by-side with you every step of the way ,” he said .
With some extra space in the halls , Super Pet Expo was able to increase aisle sizes and physically separated exhibitor stands . Super Pet Expo ’ s only last-minute , preopening hiccup was a requirement to hire two armed , off-duty policemen for the duration of the show . Why this addition on top of normal security ? – Anti-Maskers .
Anti-Maskers are people who believe it ’ s their right to go without masks anywhere and everywhere . Unfortunately , in the US mask wearing – the known scientific way to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 - has become politicised .
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Above : Super Pet Expo in Chantilly , VA |
Some anti-maskers have been known to get very loud or even violent when denied entrance somewhere unless they wear a mask .
It ’ s such a big deal that Las Vegas Market had designated ‘ Mask Ambassadors ’. This team circulated throughout the Campus reminding tenants and visitors to wear their masks properly . Part of their duties included handing out snack bar vouchers to conforming visitors as positive reinforcement of the mask policy .
The final numbers : Las Vegas Market : 40 % of tenants ( about 350 showrooms ) representing 1,300 lines of furniture , along with 20 % of normal Summer Market visitors . Super Pet Expo was down 43 % on the exhibit floor and had one-third of normal attendance .
Regardless of the lower numbers , both organisers were pleased with the results of their safely held events . White ’ s last bit of advice to other organisers on reopening in a Covid-19 world : “ Communicate in advance : what to expect , deliver the experience , and enforce the ( safety ) rules .”
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