The organisers of the world’s biggest and most important helicopter show, HAI Heli-Expo, are planning to go ahead with 2021’s event live.
HAI Heli-Expo 2021 will be held 22-25 March at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The exhibition hall will be open March 23–25.
“Nearly every person I speak with is looking forward to our show,” said James Viola, president and CEO of HAI.
“We’re all tiring of virtual events and online meetings, and there is pent-up demand for our industry to meet in person. Right now, over 350 companies have committed to doing just that, and will be exhibiting in New Orleans.”
HAI will be implementing additional health and safety measures for this year’s show.
“Our staff is working very closely with everyone involved in producing the show in New Orleans to ensure HAI Heli-Expo will meet all the required safety protocols,” said Viola.
“Whether it’s the convention center, the housing group and hotels, or the City of New Orleans and local businesses, we are working together to provide a safe environment for all Expo exhibitors and attendees.
“Pilots should always use a flight risk assessment tool (FRAT) to assist them in assessing the hazards of a flight and then mitigating those identified risks to increase their level of safety,” continued Viola.
“We essentially are doing the same thing for the show. We are continually assessing all the risks and potential hazards, and we believe we can mitigate those hazards to conduct a safe event.”
HAI is implementing the following protocols:
- Socially distanced show floor, meeting rooms, registration areas, and public spaces
- Extra time built into the event schedule for thorough, repetitive cleaning
- Additional mobile badge-printing stations to limit touch points
- Highly visible hand-sanitizer stations throughout common areas and the show floor
- Safety kit, including mask and hand sanitizer, provided for all attendees
- Masks required for entrance to the convention center
- Temperature checks at convention center entrances.
“Between these measures and other international developments on the horizon, I am very confident we can do this together and look forward to seeing everyone, while possibly still six feet away, at the show in March 2021,” said Viola.
“In the meantime, keep an eye on the HAI Heli-Expo Health and Safety page for regular updates on all that HAI, the City of New Orleans, and local businesses are doing to keep you safe during your stay.”
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HAI Heli-Expo
