Emerald Expositions, which produces CEDIA Expo 2021, has confirmed that the trade show for the custom AV automation, lighting, and security industry will continue as planned in Indianapolis this September, despite some companies announcing that they would no longer participate in person. Most recently, automation and lighting company Savant confirmed that it would no longer participate in person, holding virtual events instead.
“We are proceeding with the in-person show and planning for a successful event this September,” notes the company in a prepared statement, noting that more than 250 brands are confirmed to exhibit and demo their products and technologies on the show floor and 6,000 people have already registered to attend in person, including integrators, dealers, installers, and channel professionals. “We’re receiving hundreds of new registrations every day,” the statement continues, noting that CEDIA expects to host 10,000 professionals at the event.
Some concerns have been expressed about the new Delta variant of COVID-19, and the organization assures that it is following the CDC and local health official guidelines. As Emerald confirmed to WiFi HiFi earlier this year, attendees will be encouraged, but not mandated, to wear masks. Enhanced cleaning measures will also take place at the venue. You can view the full health & safety plan.
However, the company notes that they will adjust protocols as necessary based on any circumstance chances. If local authorities mandate wearing masks for all, “we will follow suit and update our show policies accordingly,” confirms the statement.
The Indiana Convention Center has been holding a variety of events of late, including the FDIC firefighters’ show that featured 650 exhibitors and 23,000 registrants last week. “We have met with their show management to gain further information from their experience,” Emerald adds.
Emerald assures that it is participating in weekly calls with the Indiana Convention Center, Visit Indy, and other organizers to get the latest information relative to health and safety for events being held in Indianapolis.
“We take the issue of our attendees’ health and safety very seriously and do not see any reason, as it stands today, that we cannot host CEDIA Expo safely and productively. We plan to operate CEDIA Expo 2021 as scheduled.”