ConExpo-Con/Agg is going ahead as planned in Las Vegas March 10-14, “despite recent travel restrictions related to Novel Coronavirus,” said a news release from show organizers as this edition was going to press.
“Please know our top priority is focused on the health and safety of all of our show participants, including exhibitors, attendees, vendors, staff, our industry partners and others involved,” the release quoted show director Dana Wuesthoff, vice-president of exhibitions for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
ConExpo-Con/Agg is once again expected to attract representation from nearly 150 countries.Photo: Anthony J. O-Hara/Association of Equipment Manufacturers
Show organizers are monitoring news about the new virus — which originated in Wuhan, China, in December — and will follow protocols of the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, the release said.
ConExpo organizers also encourage attendees “to take common-sense precautions by using hand sanitizer” and following CDC guidelines. The latter include avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, avoiding close contact with sick people, and covering coughs and sneezes with tissue and then throwing the tissue in the trash.
By Feb. 10, a month before ConExpo was scheduled to start, the Novel Coronavirus had infected more than 40,000 people and killed more than 900, mostly in China.
ConExpo organizers were also “in contact with the small percentage of China-based exhibitors and attendees that have been impacted by the recently announced travel restrictions.”
While nearly 150 countries are represented at the show, most attendees and exhibitors are from North America. Attendance was on track to be the largest in the show history, organizers said at press time.
For updates on ConExpo — taking place March 10-14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center — visit www.conexpoconagg.com.