We are looking forward to welcoming you to ICAST 2021 in Orlando, Florida this July.
While the health, safety and security of exhibitors and attendees continues to be our top priority, come July, we are confident that an in-person show will be possible.
The Orange County Convention Center has been hosting a wide variety of meetings, events and trade shows, revising and improving their protocols to stay consistent with national and state health and safety guidelines.
Video: The Orange County Convention Center hosted Surf Expo in January 2021. Enhanced safety measures at OCCC helped attendees meet with confidence.
Additional successful in-person shows at the OCCC:
– American Kennel Club National Championship Presented by Royal Canin
– 2021 Model Year Central Florida International Auto 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.
How will COVID-19 standards be communicated?
All health and safety standards will be communicated through email, on ICASTfishing.org, the ICAST Mobile App, the Show Guide and onsite signage.
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.
Will face masks be mandatory at ICAST 2021?
Regarding face coverings, we will follow the recommendations set by the OCCC, the CDC and Florida Health Department for ICAST 2021.
Do attendees need to supply their own face masks?
Yes, attendees will need to supply their own face masks.
How is security addressed at the show?
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 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?
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.
Will there be wider aisles, two-way traffic aisles, or will you set up one-way aisles?
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.
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.
Will local restaurants and hotel dining services be open?
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.
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.
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.
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.