We are looking forward to welcoming you to ICAST 2021 in Orlando, Florida this July.
Your health, safety and security is our top priority.
The Orange County Convention Center and city of Orlando continue to revise and improve their protocols to stay consistent with national and state health and safety guidelines. Plan your travel and stay on top of the latest changes using the links below.
> Orange County Convention Center Meeting Safely
> Visit Orlando’s Healthy Travel
We look forward to seeing you!
Video: ASA President Glenn Hughes explains why the Orange County Convention Center is the best place to host this year’s ICAST Show.
Keeping Everyone Safe
What is ASA doing to stay on top of this changing business environment?
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.
What COVID-19 protocols does the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) have in place?
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.
Has the OCCC updated its HVAC systems?
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.
What is the face mask policy?
Regarding face coverings, we will follow the recommendations set by the OCCC, the CDC and Florida Health Department for ICAST 2021.
The ICAST Expo Hall
Is there a maximum number of attendees that will be allowed to access the North/South Hall exhibit floor at any one time?
There are no capacity requirements for the show floor. Physical distancing is encouraged among event attendees using local and state guidelines.
Will meeting rooms have limited capacities?
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.
Will food and beverages still be available for purchase in the OCCC?
Yes, there will be pre-packaged meal and drink options available for purchase in the convention center as well as made-to-order food served behind plexiglass shields with all health and safety precautions in place.
Will local restaurants and hotel dining services be open?
Throughout Orlando and Orange County, restaurants and other establishments are open. Reservations are suggested.
Will transportation be provided between the official ICAST hotels and the Orange County Convention Center?
Yes, exclusive complimentary shuttle bus service will be provided between the convention center and the official ICAST hotels that are not within walking distance.
Are children allowed to attend?
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.
Specific for Exhibitors
Do you foresee the allowed time for booth set up and dismantle to be lengthened or affected in any way?
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.
How will catering/meals in meeting rooms be handled?
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.
Are we going to be allowed to bring our own water and snacks this year for our booth?
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.