Frequently Asked Questions

Our team is working closely with local Orlando authorities, the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and our hotel partners, as they develop new best practices and implement safety protocols.

We are monitoring the situation daily and will ensure our plans follow the recommendations of public health experts and the standards set forth by the CDC and other federal, state and local agencies.

The OCCC has a Recovery and Resiliency Plan to safeguard everyone working in and around the building or participating in the show. The plan is a living document that is continually updated to adhere to national and state COVID-19 guidelines which allows the OCCC to host events in the safest manner possible for attendees and convention center staff.

The OCCC was also one of the first convention centers in the country to achieve Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Star Accreditation in outbreak prevention, response and recovery.

More information can be found about Orange County government regulations, the Florida Department of Health and Visit Orlando on their websites.

All health and safety standards will be communicated through email, on ICASTfishing.org, the ICAST Mobile App, the Show Guide and onsite signage.

In accordance with existing operational policies, the HVAC systems in the exhibit hall will run 24-hours per day while occupied and fresh air exhaust will be used during move-in and move-out. HVAC HEPA filters will be replaced every three months or as needed.

Regarding face coverings, we will follow the recommendations set by the OCCC, the CDC and Florida Health Department for ICAST 2021.

Yes, attendees will need to supply their own face masks.

ASA and the OCCC hold the safe and orderly conduct of the ICAST Show as one of our highest priorities. Enhanced security measures are in effect throughout the facility.

• ALL show attendees and staff are required to be badged while on the show floor. There are no exceptions. Individuals not displaying a badge will be escorted from the show floor.
• Both uniformed, including K-9 security, and undercover security are present throughout the building.
• All persons and packages brought to the building are subject to search.

Through these and other enhanced measures and increased vigilance on the part of the facility, we are confident that we will achieve our mutual safety goals.

The OCCC’s capacity for exhibit halls remains the same. Physical distancing is to be practiced among event attendees using the CDC and the Florida Department of Health guidelines.

There will be three, 20 feet wide main aisles. The side aisles are 10 feet wide. Social distancing markers will be on the floor throughout the exhibit hall. We will work with the OCCC’s guidelines regarding two-way/one-way aisles.

Meeting room capacities in the Orange County Convention Center are currently limited to 50%. This requirement is subject to change and is based upon facility safety guidelines.

Yes, there will be pre-packaged meal and drink options available for purchase in the convention center.

Throughout Orange County, restaurants are currently permitted to operate at 50% of maximum building occupancy. Restaurants may offer unlimited outdoor seating and are required to keep a minimum distance of six feet between tables (both indoors and outdoors), and parties are limited to 10 people or fewer. Reservations are encouraged.

Yes, exclusive complimentary shuttle bus service will be provided between the convention center and the official ICAST hotels that are not within walking distance.

Capacity on shuttle buses will be limited to allow for social distancing. Show attendees should factor additional time into their schedules to allow for this.

ICAST shuttles will be deep cleaned and sanitized daily and face masks will be required to board the bus.

Yes, children under 18 years of age must be supervised by an adult at all times when in the exhibit areas. All children except infants in backpacks or slings must be registered and display a badge to be admitted to the exhibit areas. Strollers for children are permitted in the exhibit areas during published Show hours. Attendees assume all risks associated with the use of strollers on the Show floor, including but not limited to personal injury or property damage.

No, currently the set up and dismantle schedule remains the same as in previous years. We are working closely with Freeman and will notify exhibitors if this changes.

Centerplate, the official caterer for the OCCC, has created menus that provide for pre-packaged hold and cold options where servers are not required. Centerplate published their “Together We Rise” program which outlines how they are providing food service in the OCCC.

Unfortunately, no. Centerplate is the exclusive food and beverage provider at the Orange County Convention Center and all food and beverages, including water, must be purchased from Centerplate.

Centerplate has developed an array of new procedures to ensure the safe delivery of food and beverages to booths and meeting rooms. These include: all employees are provided with PPE (masks and gloves); every employee goes through a wellness screening each day when they arrive at the convention center prior to heading to their assigned areas; there are no more self-service buffets; and point of sale barriers have been added to protect guests and cashiers and lines will be set for social distancing.