CES 2022 Will Mandate Proof of Vaccination for All In-Person Attendees
August 17, 2021
CES 2022, the world’s most influential technology trade show, will require in-person attendees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to participate in the live event, set for Jan. 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For those unable to travel to Las Vegas, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), which owns and produces the show, will once again create a digital event that will run in parallel with the in-person program.
“Based on today’s science, we understand vaccines offer us the best hope for stopping the spread of COVID-19,” said Gary Shapiro, CTA president and CEO in a statement. “We all play a part in ending the pandemic through encouraging vaccinations and implementing the right safety protocols. We are taking on our responsibility by requiring proof of vaccination to attend CES 2022 in Las Vegas.”
The association is also considering proof of a positive antibody test as an alternative requirement and will share more details at a later time. CTA officials asserted that safety, security and health are a top priority at CES, that the show will follow state and local guidelines and recommendations by the CDC and that CTA will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation and announce additional safety protocols closer to the show.
The CES announcement comes as other major trade shows have recently implemented or announced COVID vaccine and mask requirements.
Held Aug. 9-13 at Wynn Las Vegas, The Venetian Expo and CAESARS FORUM in Las Vegas, HIMSS21 required proof of vaccination for all attendees, exhibitors and staff, mandated mask-wearing, provided free on-site COVID-19 tests and biometric screenings, and implemented a number of other health and safety protocols to keep show participants safe.
On Aug. 17, the NGA Show announced that it will require all participants, staff and vendors to wear face masks as well as show proof of full vaccination or show a negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours from the 2021 trade show. Produced by the National Grocers Association (NGA), the annual event is set for Sept. 19-21 at the Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Reed Exhibitions’ Bar Convent Brooklyn announced that all attendees, including visitors, exhibitors, vendors, media, speakers and staff must be fully vaccinated to be granted admission to the show, taking place Aug. 17-18 at the Brooklyn Expo Center.
Some major cities and states are also stepping up to help stop the spread of the Delta variant via vaccine mandates. Beginning Aug. 17, New York City will require people to provide proof of vaccination to enter a number of indoor settings, including bars, fitness gyms, movie and stage theaters, museums and other indoor venues. To be formally enforced starting Sept. 13, the city’s new “Key to NYC” plan marks the first major U.S. city to impose such a mandate for the general public.
On August 12, San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced that the city will require proof of full vaccination at indoor establishments including restaurants, bars, gyms and entertainment venues. The mandate, which applies to both workers and guests, goes into effect August 20.
On July 26, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that all state employees and healthcare workers will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be subject to regular COVID testing, while on Aug. 9, Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced a state mandate that requires all state and healthcare workers to be vaccinated by Oct. 18, 2021 or be subject to non-disciplinary dismissal.
“We all play a role in stopping the spread. Requiring proof of vaccination for CES 2022 is one way we can take responsibility on our part,” said the CTA’s Shapiro in a recent blog post. “We know our decision to require vaccines—and potentially positive antibody tests—may not be popular for some, but for many others it will allow them to know they can experience CES once again—and get back to business as usual.”
A massive event that spotlights every aspect of the tech sector, CES 2022 will feature a host of new technologies from 2,000 global companies, including major brands and start-ups, leading-edge education and live keynotes featuring industry leaders and advocates discussing the future of technology, attendee networking opportunities, as well as new show categories such as space tech, food tech and NFTs. The show will also highlight advancements in AI, AR/VR, gaming and computing, digital health, automotive and transportation, home entertainment, smart home and more.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment