Covid-19 Measures

WATS 2021 – Looking forward…

– a message from our CEO 26.04.2021

As I have stated on this site since early in the year we will take all precautions possible to ensure a safe event for all attendees. We rely on all attendees to take the same approach.

It seems almost assured that everyone in the US who wants a vaccination will be fully vaccinated by June and we hope, and give our best wishes to other nations, that their vaccination program is as advanced by that point. Without a successful global vaccine program many more lives will be lost and the airline sector, among many, will be unable to start to fully ‘come back’.

The link to the precautions taken by the Rosen Shingle Creek is here. They confirm the highest levels of cleanliness and safe processes confirmed by the GBAC Star certificate that they now hold.

In addition, whatever the recommendations in force in June we will request that masks be worn, will remind that hand washing is still essential and we will be maintaining safe distancing, plus of course reducing touch points as much as we can. We will also clean laptops, podiums and mics between speakers while food delivery will be via individually wrapped items and boxed lunches.

Each of us should realize that there is still an element of risk and must take responsibility for our own decision to attend. If you do feel unwell prior to travel we trust that you will stay at home and if your health prevents you from attending we will refund any fees you may have paid.

Though we must remain vigilant and exercise common sense in meeting with others and beginning a return to a full lifestyle it is time to begin that return to the things that we enjoy and need to function as a caring society and an efficient airline training community.

There will be some, hopefully a small and decreasing minority, who are not comfortable in starting that return to ‘normal’, or whose family members may still be at risk of the virus and they deserve our support.

For those who are unsure the question must surely be ‘If not now, when?” Since my last note in March most if not all US airlines have started to rehire and reduce furloughs and generally airline training is resuming.

The conditions we faced prior to the pandemic, a lack of pilots, growth, and the 4^th industrial revolution are still with us. Pressure will be on to do things as cost effectively as possible and training has been irrevocably changed by covid. Now we need to improve on previous training models.

Hopefully WATS will kickstart that discussion; and the event is building well

View current attendees here Current Delegates

View the program here Full Conference Program

Book your rooms here Hotel Rooms

See you in June! and in the meantime take a look at our CAT Leader Forum here

Kind Regards.

Andy Smith, CEO and Publisher, Halldale Group

INDUSTRY ALL SECURE STANDARD SUMMARY

The implementation of enhanced measures will provide our attendees with the assurance and confidence that our shows and events have health and safety as our number one priority.

Below, we have summarized the best practice guide for organizing and delivering trade shows and exhibitions of all sizes, in all locations ensuring the health and safety of all attendees in response to COVID-19.

These points outline the framework we are researching and working to – our specific plans and actions will be communicated in due course by the show team.

PROTECT & DETECT

Facemask Requirement

Requirement of every attendee at every event in line with local authority requirements.

Contact Tracing

Offering assistance to the proper authorities in contact tracing efforts where country laws allow.

Infrared & Thermal Imaging Temperature Screening

Equipment will be available at the entrances to venues at organised industry gatherings.

Enhanced First Aid & Medical Support

Offering an increased number of First Aid stations located throughout the event with enhanced medical support available.

Quarantine Area

Offering a dedicated quarantine area for people displaying the symptoms of COVID-19.

Emergency Response Plans

Implementation of processes for possible COVID-19 incidents, both confirmed and suspected.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Key personnel, including cleaning, medical, food and beverage workers, etc., will be offered PPE.

Employee Screening

Potentially look at encouraging all Halldale employees to undergo COVID-19 symptomatic screening in advance of each work day.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

Crowd Density Standard (CDS)

By controlling the density, appropriate physical distancing can occur throughout the event.

Eliminating Handshakes

Recommend the elimination of handshakes.

Staggered Admission

Where needed, attendees will be allocated a designated time slot for arrival and stipulated visit duration and will be encouraged to set meetings in advance.

Floor Planning

Introduction of one-way visitor traffic that could create a logical flow through venues.

Set Up & Break Down

Enhanced guidelines to assist contractors in the set up and break down of events.

Conference Rooms

Rooms with recommended density and seating arrangements will follow local distancing guidance.

Food & Beverage

Replace open or self-service buffets with food served pre-packaged or in closed containers.

Registration

An increased use of technology can facilitate seamless and contactless access upon entry and exit.

CLEANING & HYGIENE COUNTERMEASURES

Venue Deep-Cleaning

Requirement of venues to provide a deep cleaning prior to move in and again before the event opens.

Venue Ambient Environmental Controls

Recommend ensuring the proper ventilation, temperature, humidity, UV air purification controls, etc. are in place.

Waste Management

Collection and removal of waste receptacles will be increased during events in order to minimise risk.

Stand Cleaning

Exhibitors will be required to disinfect their respective booths and exhibits regularly throughout the event.

Hand Sanitizers

Stations will be positioned at key locations throughout the event.

Conference & Seminar Rooms

All equipment, including AV, will be disinfected between each use, and conference rooms will have an increased cleaning schedule throughout the day.

COMMUNICATION

Show Website, Apps, & SMS

Guidelines can be communicated for each event through all marketing channels.

Pre-Show Messaging

Communication of key pieces of information, including updates from global and local health organizations, show admission policies, hygiene briefings and health protection measures.

Exhibitor Manuals

Will be updated to include specific details of what exhibitors need to do to execute the enhanced safety and hygiene measures.

Event Signage

Will include common signs and symptoms of COVID-19 as communicated by the appropriate medical and health authorities.