With news that CES 2022 will continue in-person as planned this January, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) that produces the event has outlines all of the health requirements and protocols that will be in place. For anyone planning to travel to Las Vegas for the event, it’s a must read.
Attendees Must Be Fully Vaccinated
Anyone planning to attend the show has to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which means having received at least two doses of an approved vaccine. A CES badge will not be released to anyone, nor will entry into the show be granted, without proof of vaccination. Those traveling from the U.S. can use the CLEAR free mobile app and Health Pass feature, which will help expedite badge pick-up. Those in Canada can obtain their vaccine receipt from the Health Canada website in PDF form and scan the QR code to load it to an app like Apple Wallet on an iPhone. However, without the CLEAR app, you will have to go to a designated Customer Service Center location to show the documentations. These are located in public access areas before the CES security checkpoint. With that said, once proof of vaccination is shown once, you will not need to show it again. While it isn’t required, CTA highly recommends that attendees get their booster vaccine, as well as the flu vaccine, as well before attending.
International Travelers Need a Negative COVID-19 Test Within 24 Hours of Arrival
To enter the U.S., international attendees must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of arriving in the country. Every airline will outline specific details, so it’s important to check with the airline you’ll be flying with. For others, CES still recommends getting tested for COVID-19 before departing for Las Vegas.
Badges Must Be Picked Up Before Entering Show Facilities
A CES badge has to be picked up prior to entering the show facilities and must be picked up by the badge owner – badges will not be released to colleagues or business partners. There will be badge pick-up locations at both Terminals 1 and 3 at McCarran Airport for those traveling by air. As noted, proof of vaccination will be required in order to obtain the badge.
Testing Recommended Before Entering a CES Venue
While it isn’t a requirement, CES requests that attendees test for COVID-19 less than 24 hours before entering a CES venue. The show will provide one complimentary Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test kit, provided by Abbott, when collecting your badge. Test kits will also be available at select Badge Pickup and Customer Service Center locations. If you pick up your badge at a location that does not have test kit distribution, you may go to one of the Customer Service Centers to pick up your test kit. Each kit contains two tests that are easy to use via a shallow nasal swab in your hotel room. Once swabbed, wait 15 minutes for the results.
Masks Are Required
Wearing a mask is required throughout the show and in the state of Nevada at any large indoor event. This includes in exhibit booths and indoor exhibit facilities, conference and keynote rooms, CES shuttle buses and any CES transportation services.
Get a Test Kit From First Aid If Experiencing Symptoms
If you happen to start experiencing COVID-19 symptoms while at the show, you can visit a First Aid area to obtain a COVID-19 test.
PCR Test is Required for International Travelers Returning Home
Once the show is over and you are ready to travel home, CES will provide complimentary RT-PCR testing for attendees who are traveling back to their international destination and who require a test to travel. You will be required to present proof of outbound international travel within 72 hours to be eligible to receive your test at no charge.
“Your health and safety is important to us,” writes CTA in a prepared announcement, “and we thank you for following CES health protocols. Please continue to check the CES.tech website for additional updates. We look forward to welcoming you to CES 2022 in Las Vegas. If you are unable to meet these requirements, please join us digitally.”