Fern Launches Testing and Screening Assessment for Trade Shows and Events

September 3, 2020

Cincinnati-based Fern, a national marketing support and trade show services provider, is partnering with ShareMy.Health, a healthcare technology developer, on Fern Health Check. Available to all trade show and event organizers, this digital platform will allow for consumer-controlled sharing of health data.

While the return to live events will require a combination of many factors, individual safety and comfort levels will be at the foundation. Until there is a vaccine with widespread availability and coverage – and likely for an extended time thereafter – self-assessment, testing and verification will be key elements, according to Jim Kelley, vice president of marketing and industry relations for Fern.

“There is no disputing the value of face-to-face experiences, such as trade shows and conferences, as it relates to commerce and professional growth,” said Kelley. “The return to live events is going to be about shifting the mindset of attendees, exhibitors, venues and local jurisdictions to a place where they are again comfortable hosting and attending events. We believe Health Check is a key tool that will help this occur.”  

Fern Health Check provides: 

  • A self-assessment portal that allows individual control of health data through a HIPAA-compliant platform that can be shared via a personalized Health Passport
  • Customizable policies based on organization, event and venue requirements
  • Dashboard reporting for event organizers that can be grouped by stakeholder segments, such as event staff, attendees and exhibitors
  • API Integration with industry registration and mobile app solutions
  • FDA-authorized testing solutions, including at-home kits for pre-event and post-event use, as well as on-site rapid testing administered by licensed health professionals
  • Deployment of evolving testing solutions to include “at-the-door rapid testing” upon FDA approval

“When ShareMy.Health was founded, the principle was simple – provide individuals safe and secure access to their health data through an online platform that allows them to share information with organizations they trust,” said Galen Murdock, CEO and co-founder of ShareMy.Health. “Based on this foundation, it was easy to see that our solution could be a valuable tool for helping people regain a level of comfort about attending live events by automating the complex workflow of self-assessments, testing and health protocols.”

The partnership of the two companies enhances Fern's technology-focused strategy of empowering organizations to grow relationships between audiences and brands. Fern has numerous strategic relationships with marketing and event technology organizations, which the company continues to build and develop to offer integrated solutions and Fern proprietary technologies.

Learn more about Fern Health Check here.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact