The National Association of Broadcasters announced it will proceed with the 2020 NAB Show in Las Vegas, but also laid out the steps it is taking in response to concerns about the coronavirus, which it says it is taking “very seriously.”
The show dates are April 18–22 in Las Vegas.
The fact that NAB would issue a statement affirming that the show will go on is a measure of the impact COVID-19 has had on major event planners around the world.
“The association is closely monitoring COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus, and is prepared to devote whatever resources necessary to ensure a safe and productive NAB Show experience,” it said in a statement. “While the NAB stands firm in its commitment to hold the convention as planned, the health and safety of attendees and participants are NAB’s top priority.”
The association explained the steps it is taking.
Its management team created a COVID-19 resource page on the NAB Show website, where updates will be provided.
They said the show is adhering to guidance and recommended safety measures issued by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and local health organizations; and that it is working with the Las Vegas Convention Center, airport authority and area hotels and resorts to coordinate safety procedures.
It said it is following CDC recommendations and protocols for “heightened levels of cleanliness” at event facilities, and making accommodations and encouraging attendees to take “common-sense precautions” and follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of illness.
NAB said it will ensure that medical care is readily accessible to address immediate health concerns, and that it is “working with China-based exhibitors and registered attendees to evaluate options for those unable to attend due to travel restrictions.”
It noted that attendance from China, “although growing, represented less than 2 percent of total registered attendees in 2019.”
As of a week ago, as reported by our sister publication TV Technology, NAB had said no exhibitors had pulled out but that organizers were reaching out to companies from China to assess their status.
In the announcement, the organizers said they have experienced “an uptick in exhibit sales, attendee registration and hotel bookings in recent weeks, and conference program speakers are confirmed daily.”
