Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), organiser of Conexpo-Con/Agg and the co-located IFPE show, has affirmed the 2020 shows are set to take place as planned, from 10 to 14 March in Las Vegas, the US. The association said it is closely monitoring Covid-19 (commonly known as coronavirus), and is taking the necessary steps and precautions to ensure a safe and productive event.

“We understand the concerns about Covid-19,” said Dana Wuesthoff, Conexpo-Con/Agg show director. “We want to be as transparent as possible and share information about the proactive steps we are taking to address concerns.

“Our top priority continues to be focused on the health and safety of all participants at Conexpo-Con/Agg & IFPE 2020, including attendees, exhibitors, vendors, staff, industry partners, and others involved in the show. We are closely monitoring the news and will follow any protocols that are provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).”

AEM said that hand sanitiser will be available in all registration areas, media rooms, information stands, the international trade centre, meeting/education spaces, workforce and VIP areas. Further, staff will be cleaning those areas more frequently, especially tables, keyboards/screens, and door handles. AEM added that hand sanitiser stations will also be located throughout the grounds.

“Rest assured, we are adhering to all guidance and recommended safety measures issued by the WHO and the CDC, as well as state and local health organisations,” continued Ms Wuesthoff. “We are encouraging attendees to take common-sense precautions and follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of illness. We have also been working with the Las Vegas Convention Center, the airport authority and area hotels and resorts to coordinate appropriate safety procedures.

“We have had no major exhibit cancellations. Many of our top exhibitors have been onsite for weeks moving in equipment and setting up their booth space. These exhibitors have been following the move-in schedule protocols and we anticipate all exhibitors will be moved in and ready for the shows’ opening day on Tuesday, 10 March.”

AEM further stressed that “Conexpo-Con/Agg & IFPE are taking Covide-19 very seriously and are fully invested and prepared to host a successful show. Ultimately, we encourage everyone to make responsible decisions and stay home if they are sick.”

‘No handshake’ policy encouraged onsite

The Conexpo-Con/Agg & IFPE show management has also arranged for ‘no handshake’ buttons and stickers to be distributed at the show. And large signage will be visible throughout the show to remind everyone of hygiene best practices and guidelines provided by CDC.

“We know how much a solid handshake can mean to engender trust and bonding between two people discussing major business decisions – but in the interest of keeping everyone as healthy as possible, we want to impress upon everyone that it’s okay to replace that custom with something as simple as a thumbs-up, a wave, a fist or elbow bump, or even the exchange of mobile phone numbers,” said Ms Wuesthoff.

According to AEM, more than 4,000 new registrations for Conexpo-Con/Agg & IFPE have been made so far, with just days to go before the opening day. Advance registration is also well ahead of the 2017 show and more than 130,000 are expected to attend and interact with more than 2,500 exhibitors.

“Registrations are on track to make Conexpo-Con/Agg and IFPE 2020 one of the largest in show history,” said Ms Wuesthoff.

Held every three years, Conexpo-Con/Agg is one of the world’s must-attend events for construction industry professionals. The show features the latest equipment, products, services and technologies for the construction industry, as well as industry-leading education. IFPE focuses on the latest innovations, product advances and expert insights to fully equip engineers and others involved in the design and manufacturing process to increase efficiency, contain costs and improve the performance of their hydraulic and pneumatic systems and applications.

AEM is the North America-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide. The equipment manufacturing industry in the US supports 1.3 million jobs and contributes roughly US$159 billion to the economy every year.

For information on steps and precautions taken by AEM on Covid-19, click here.

For CDC guidelines on Covid-19, click here.