The number one priority of PRI is the health and safety of all those attending the trade show, including exhibitors, attendees, and all employees of PRI and the Indiana Convention Center (ICC). As a result, PRI is working closely with the City of Indianapolis and the Marion County Public Health Department on detailed safety guidelines, which must be approved by the health department in advance of the Show. The approval relies on the assessment from the health department that the guidelines in place, if followed properly, can create an acceptably safe environment.
As of September 8, 2020, Governor Eric Holcomb confirmed that Indiana is currently at a Health Level 4.5 of 5 (5 being the most relaxed) and has successfully decreased the percentage of positive COVID-19 cases month over month. The PRI Show Health Plan has been submitted to the Marion County Public Health Department, and it currently meets all the requirements for PRI to move forward with the 2020 PRI Trade Show on December 10–12. The plan includes what have now become routine safety measures.
Following are some of the safety guidelines in the PRI Health Plan, as required by the Marion County Public Health Department:
- There will be a capacity limit on the number of people allowed inside the combined Indiana Convention Center (ICC) and Lucas Oil Stadium (LOS). This will allow for social distancing measures to be followed. PRI is limiting the total number of attendee badges that will be allocated.
- Face masks or coverings are required for entry into the ICC and LOS. These must always be worn while in the buildings, unless when eating or drinking.
- There will be a mandatory daily health screening for every individual entering the buildings. This will include a brief health questionnaire and temperature check. After successful screening, everyone will be given hand sanitizer, and a colored wristband to allow same-day reentry.
- Social distancing measures will be in place throughout the show. This includes providing open spaces, leaving all the hallways clear from displays, one-way traffic throughout the exhibit halls, and providing ample meeting room space and seating areas that are adequately spaced.
- Increased sanitization throughout the buildings. The ICC has invested over $7 million into upgrades such as: Clorox 360 disinfecting system implemented by ICC staff between sessions, throughout the day, and overnight; hospital-grade air filtration systems that are the highest quality available and circulate air in and out of the building; touch-less technology in all restrooms; hand sanitizer stations positioned throughout the buildings; and more.
- There will be PRI health ambassadors present throughout the show to provide friendly reminders to all participants of what the guidelines are, as well as to help answer any questions.
Just like racers are accustomed to preparing for a race by using the best safety equipment and going through all the necessary safety checks, that is the mindset for the PRI Show this year. Working together, we can all prepare and gear up to win.
PRI will continue to communicate details of the health plan, and keep exhibitors and attendees informed of new developments.
