All attendees at this year’s IMEX America, the largest exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events in the U.S., must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 to gain entry to the show, the IMEX Group announced Tuesday.
IMEX America, which was canceled last year due to the COVID pandemic, returns Nov. 9-11 for its 10th show in Las Vegas, this year for the first time at Mandalay Bay.
The IMEX Group announced the decision to require proof of full vaccination as part of its COVID safety and entry requirements. In addition, masks will also be required in all indoor public spaces, IMEX said, with a final decision announced before the show starts.
The proof of vaccine requirement will also apply to attendees at Smart Monday powered by MPI, Nov. 8, a full day of education and networking also as Mandalay Bay.
Calling the decision part of its “unofficial gold standard” and its commitment to produce “COVID-safe events,” show organizers said they are following a trend in North America of providing proof of full vaccination against COVID.
“We’ve consulted widely about this decision and have been watching the events landscape in North America very closely these past weeks,” said Carina Bauer, IMEX Group CEO. “The requirement for participants to prove their full vaccination status is fast becoming the unofficial ‘gold standard’ for large events in the U.S.”
Annette Gregg, senior vice president of experience at MPI, said the association supports IMEX Group’s decision to require vaccinations for IMEX America in Las Vegas.
“It follows the current trend of many other large events, including the National Association of Broadcasters and some major sporting leagues,” Gregg said. “In our recent Meetings Outlook (quarterly research), 84% of respondents replied they are fully vaccinated, indicating they understand the importance of the vaccine to stop the spread of COVID and also a key to keep the economy moving forward.”
The trend to require proof of vaccinations is growing. AEG Presents announced that effective Oct. 1, anyone who goes to a concert venue or festival owed by AEG will need to show proof of full vaccination. That same standard applies to attendees at Las Vegas Raiders NFL home football games as well as at a growing number of restaurants and other venues across the country.
IMEX said all North American attendees will need to use the CLEAR Health Pass app to show proof of vaccination. CLEAR is used for identity verification at airports throughout the U.S. and has partnered with many of the largest venues in Las Vegas, including Mandalay Bay, as well as having been adopted by event organizers across the country.
The CLEAR app offers validated, onscreen proof of full vaccination status based on the World Health Organization’s list of approved vaccines. IMEX said it will not have access to the personal health records of attendees, as that data remains anonymous and private.
The IMEX Group said international attendees will be able to submit their vaccine status to an equally secure portal prior to the event to gain vaccine certification.
As part of IMEX’s health and safety protocols, attendees will also be required to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces at Mandalay Bay as well as in Las Vegas.
“We have noted Gov. (Steve) Sisolak’s recent announcement on mask wearing at indoor events and will make a final decision on mask wearing at IMEX America closer to the show, based on the most up-to-date guidance and advice,” IMEX said.
IMEX will also provide a specialized health clinic onsite, together with access to testing stations for homeward bound international travelers whose travel providers require them to show a negative test before departure, IMEX said.
“Now that we’ve published our plans, we hope that everyone has enough time and space to make their own arrangements to attend the show,” Bauer said. “We can’t wait to greet everyone and see our industry friends and colleagues in person—our unofficial IMEX family—for what promises to be a momentous reunion.”
