Update: USITT has a webpage up for updates on the COVID-19. https://www.usitt.org/coronavirus
Central to the mission of almost any association is providing a space to bring members together. At USITT, we are committed to always providing the safest environment possible when presenting our Annual Conference & Stage Expo.
With the emerging global threat of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, we have expected attrition to occur. Ten of our more than 320 exhibiting companies have notified us that they will not be attending this year’s Stage Expo. Many of these companies, while not exhibiting, are sending people to assist with education and other aspects of the show.
To date, USITT is seeing the same attendee registration pace as in the previous two record-breaking years, with no signs of attendees inquiring about registration refunds or not attending. USITT is also closely monitoring any hotel cancellations with our hotel partners in Houston. All signs are showing that our attendees are eager to meet and engage with all of you, our valued exhibitors.
USITT is taking extra precautions to ensure the safest possible event. Instead of trying to fill vacant space, we have widened the aisles in our Stage Expo to allow for an increase in personal space. The George R. Brown Convention Center has upgraded their disinfectants to hospital grade and are cleaning escalator rails, doors, and hardware throughout the day. Cleaning crews wear gloves and sanitize their hands after removing the gloves.
An additional 55 permanent and portable hand sanitizing stations are in place throughout the facility for easy public access.
In addition, we are eliminating touch screens at registration to reduce possible disease transmission. All self-serve areas of registration will be by scanner only. If attendees need assistance with checking in, our team at the service desk will be happy to assist.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization issue guidance on public health threats, actual regulation of activity in the U.S. in wake of a threat is generally a local public health office.
To that end, USITT is currently following the advice from the Harris County (TX) Department of Public Health (HCPH).
As of March 6, 2020, HCPH reports 2 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in northwest Harris County. These cases are not in the city of Houston, are travel-related, and there is no evidence of community spread. For those unfamiliar with the region’s geography, Harris County is larger than the state of Rhode Island.
There is no ban on travel to or from Houston or any restrictions on public gatherings in the county at this time.
Following the advice of public health officials, USITT encourages our members to practice healthy hygiene habits to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, such as washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and staying home if sick.
Currently, because of the heightened fears of possible virus transmission and corporate/business-related travel bans/policies, USITT is working with our exhibitors on a case-by-case basis to come up with the best possible solution for all parties involved.
We realize this is a fluid situation and things change quickly. At this time the 2020 USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo and associated activities will be taking place as planned. USITT is, after all, made up of the people who ensure that the show goes on. We look forward to a fun, exciting, and healthy meeting in Houston.
Central to the mission of almost any association is providing a space to bring members together. At USITT, we are committed to always providing the safest environment possible when presenting our Annual Conference & Stage Expo.
With the emerging global threat of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, we have expected attrition to occur. Ten of our more than 320 exhibiting companies have notified us that they will not be attending this year’s Stage Expo. Many of these companies, while not exhibiting, are sending people to assist with education and other aspects of the show.
To date, USITT is seeing the same attendee registration pace as in the previous two record-breaking years, with no signs of attendees inquiring about registration refunds or not attending. USITT is also closely monitoring any hotel cancellations with our hotel partners in Houston. All signs are showing that our attendees are eager to meet and engage with all of you, our valued exhibitors.
USITT is taking extra precautions to ensure the safest possible event. Instead of trying to fill vacant space, we have widened the aisles in our Stage Expo to allow for an increase in personal space. The George R. Brown Convention Center has upgraded their disinfectants to hospital grade and are cleaning escalator rails, doors, and hardware throughout the day. Cleaning crews wear gloves and sanitize their hands after removing the gloves.
An additional 55 permanent and portable hand sanitizing stations are in place throughout the facility for easy public access.
In addition, we are eliminating touch screens at registration to reduce possible disease transmission. All self-serve areas of registration will be by scanner only. If attendees need assistance with checking in, our team at the service desk will be happy to assist.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization issue guidance on public health threats, actual regulation of activity in the U.S. in wake of a threat is generally a local public health office.
To that end, USITT is currently following the advice from the Harris County (TX) Department of Public Health (HCPH).
As of March 6, 2020, HCPH reports 2 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in northwest Harris County. These cases are not in the city of Houston, are travel-related, and there is no evidence of community spread. For those unfamiliar with the region’s geography, Harris County is larger than the state of Rhode Island.
There is no ban on travel to or from Houston or any restrictions on public gatherings in the county at this time.
Following the advice of public health officials, USITT encourages our members to practice healthy hygiene habits to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, such as washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and staying home if sick.
Currently, because of the heightened fears of possible virus transmission and corporate/business-related travel bans/policies, USITT is working with our exhibitors on a case-by-case basis to come up with the best possible solution for all parties involved.
We realize this is a fluid situation and things change quickly. At this time the 2020 USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo and associated activities will be taking place as planned. USITT is, after all, made up of the people who ensure that the show goes on. We look forward to a fun, exciting, and healthy meeting in Houston.
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