As restrictions ease, face-to-face events are returning and Naidex is one of the first up on the list. With the exhibition fast approaching, new safety guidance around COVID-19 measures has been released.
Naidex welcomes everyone living with a disability or impairment as well as people that provide support for those individuals. This year, Naidex is focusing on bringing everyone back together and celebrating the independent living community and everything it has to offer.
Featuring everything from keynote speakers, interactive workshops to live product demonstrations, Naidex offers something for everyone. The UK’s biggest care exhibition will take place at the NEC Birmingham on the 15–16 September 2021.
Safe and secure
The past 18 months have been a difficult time for everyone, particularly for members of the Naidex community. For many, Naidex will be the first large scale event attended since the beginning of the pandemic and the organisers understand that event safety will be a primary concern for their audience.
After extensive consultation with the government and venues across the UK, organisers ROAR B2B have confirmed what safety regulations will be in place for Naidex.
Visitor’s safety is the number one priority which is why the team are doing all they can to ensure you feel at ease when attending the show. Seminars from leading healthcare experts will have added capacity, networking zones will include greater space and access, plus, high touch points and interactive show features are subject to enhanced sanitising and cleaning regimes.
See the full list of safety measures you can expect below:
When you arrive
There will be clear signage throughout the venue to direct you to your event. You can view the event’s accessibility guidance here.
COVID-19 status checks
NEC staff will conduct COVID-19 status checks before entry to the venue. The accepted methods of showing COVID-19 status are as follows:
- NHS COVID-19 Pass via the NHS App (NB This is different to the NHS COVID-19 Test and Trace app). It is advised individuals apply no later than 48 hours before attending their event to allow for the application to be processed in time.
- Proof of immunity shown by a positive PCR test result for COVID-19, lasting for 180 days from the date of the positive test and following completion of the self-isolation period.
- Lateral flow or PCR negative test results text or e-mail, received within 72 hours prior to attending the event. However, we encourage visitors to complete their test within 48 hours.
There will be an on-site lateral flow test centre, however completing your test before you arrive is strongly recommended to avoid queues at the test centre.
Please do NOT try to attend Naidex if you:
- Are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, new and persistent cough, or a loss of/change in sense of taste or smell), even if these symptoms are mild
- have been asked to self-isolate because you have been exposed to a person with COVID-19
- or live with an individual who has symptoms of COVID-19
Inside the venue
Face coverings
It is strongly advised that everyone who attends the event wears a face covering unless they are exempt.
Comfortable distancing
To make sure everyone who attends the event is a comfortable as possible, the space of the hall has been increased. This includes widening the aisles to at least three metres – with aisles stretching to five metres in high footfall places. All theatres and networking areas will have a suitable amount of space between seating.
Ventilation
The NEC has recently undergone a recommission of their ventilation equipment and upgraded their filtration systems to ensure safe, clean air is circulated throughout the venue at all times. All areas will have natural ventilation with open doors and windows. The NEC also has plenty of accessible outside spaces, which are a great for those wanting a break from the halls.
Cleaning
The NEC have increased cleaning times for high contact surfaces throughout event days and there will be hygiene stations – with clear reminders for visitors to wash their hands – frequently positioned throughout the hall and venue.
If you would like any further information or have additional questions concerning event safety at Naidex, contact the Naidex team at eventsafety@naidex.co.uk
For more information visit the event safety page here.