CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE Takes Precautions against Coronavirus

‘No Handshaking’ Policy Encouraged

Attendees at next week’s IFPE trade show will be encouraged to avoid shaking hands as a way to guard against the coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19.

Despite concerns about the virus, more than 4,000 people registered for the show the week of Feb. 24.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers, which manages the show, announced Feb. 28 that it will distribute buttons and stickers with a no-handshake logo and the phrase “No Offense, Just Makes Sense.” Large signs listing best practices and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will also be displayed throughout the show hall.

AEM will place hand-sanitizer stations throughout the hall and will increase the frequency of cleaning in public areas, according to an AEM press release announcing the measures.

“We encourage everyone to make responsible decisions and stay home if they are sick,” AEM said in the press release.

“We know how much a solid handshake can mean to engender trust and bonding between two people discussing major business decisions,” said Dana Wuesthoff, CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Director.  “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.”

The IFPE trade show is March 10-14 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Advance registration is well ahead of the 2017 show, and more than 130,000 attendees are expected to interact with more than 2,500 exhibitors, AEM said in the press release.

“Registrations are on track to make CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE 2020 one of the largest in show history,” Wuesthoff said in the statement. “We recognize news about COVID-19 is a concern, and we want to be as transparent as possible about what we are doing to provide a safe and successful experience for everyone at the show.”

For additional information, visit https://www.conexpoconagg.com/visit/covid-19-update/