The American Gaming Association provided an update Monday 12th April, on the 2021 Global Gaming Expo, noting “efforts to convene the gaming industry safely this fall October 4–7, 2021 (Education: October 4-7 | Expo Hall: October 5-7) at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.”
An in-person return is looking more likely by the day as people worldwide continue to receive vaccines. Still, the event is unlikely to return to normal. As the AGA press release indicates, there are current restrictions in place, and those restrictions could change for better or worse over the coming months:
They state that as of March 15 in Nevada, if a gathering space or venue intends to host more than 250 individuals for an in-person event, it is permitted to have up to 50% of fire code capacity, so long as a Large Gathering Plan Certification Form is submitted and approved. G2E is currently working with the Sands Expo and other stakeholders to complete this application in the appropriate time frame, in order to host G2E in-person safely this October. Read more here.
G2E’s health and safety guidelines continue to be enhanced and updated with learnings from events and new guidelines provided by state and local officials in Nevada and Sands Expo. Additional G2E-specific safety plans and official regulations will continue to be added as they become available.
While hosting G2E in-person in October is our goal, conditions and regulations will continue to evolve. The health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, and staff remain our top priority and to ensure that, we will be monitoring several data points. Factors that could impact the viability of an in-person G2E include:
COVID-19 test positivity rate remaining low
Factors that could impact the viability of an in-person G2E include COVID-19 test positivity rate remaining low; a minimum of 50% capacity allowed at the Sands Expo and Venetian; feedback from key stakeholders including G2E attendees and exhibitors. "If these factors indicate that G2E 2021 cannot safely and successfully be held, Reed Exhibitions and the American Gaming Association will communicate a decision to cancel the in-person event no later than Tuesday, June 1, 2021," they said.
They stipulate that a risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any event or public space, including G2E. Prior to purchasing a ticket for and attending G2E, please ensure you have read the latest CDC Guidelines for Prevention. By attending G2E, you acknowledge this inherent risk and, as a condition of entering G2E, you acknowledge, understand, and confirm each of the following in accordance with applicable health guidelines:
- That you will abide by all G2E health-and-safety requirements;
- That you are not currently experiencing any of the following symptoms of COVID-19, as identified at CDC.gov, including, but not limited to:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- That prior to attending G2E you have not been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine; and
- That you are not under any self-quarantine orders
They further add not to enter G2E or The Venetian Resort and Sands Expo & Convention Center if you cannot confirm all of the above criteria. If at any point during your time at G2E you do not meet all of the above criteria, you will be required to isolate and may be relocated or asked to leave The Venetian Resort and Sands Expo & Convention Center at the sole discretion of event management.
Please note: The guidelines above are based on information currently available regarding the behavior and characteristics of the COVID-19 virus, public health information, and local or state guidelines with respect to large gatherings in any particular community. As more clarity with respect to these variables emerges, it is expected that these guidelines may need to be adjusted accordingly.
