Show officials for the WasteExpo on May 4-7 in New Orleans said the show is still on track to open as scheduled. While acknowledging concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, show officials told exhibitors and attendees in a March 5 email that the show still expects to go off on time, albeit with increased health and safety measures.
“We’re working with the city of New Orleans, the convention center and the airport to make sure we’re all on the same page and doing all that we can to make it a safe event, show director Marc Acampora and vice president Mark Hickey said in an email. “Our team is expanding our onsite health and safety plan that will include additional first aid locations, antibacterial stations throughout the hall, additional deep cleaning protocols, a no-handshaking policy, tips and best practices on how to stay healthy, and more.
“The health and safety of all of our WasteExpo exhibitors, attendees, speakers, partners and team is our top priority,” they added.
Show officials did say that the U.S. Department of Commerce informed them that delegations from countries most directly affected by the coronavirus outbreak would not be sending delegations to the WasteExpo.
Despite the concerns, show officials are hopeful for a strong event: “WasteExpo registration numbers are strong; it’s up 30% from the last time we were in New Orleans. We’re continuing to sell and market the show like it’s business as usual with a sharp and attentive eye on this situation.” More details can be found on the Waste Expo website.
