
Major Bizav Convention Will Require Vaccination For Attendees
With shots mandatory, mask-wearing will be "a personal choice" at the National Business Aviation Association’s October gathering.
Citing best practices and health and safety concerns, the National Business Aviation Association will require COVID-19 vaccination for attendees at its 2021 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), to be held October 12 to 14 in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. NBAA added that with such a requirement, it anticipates that mask-wearing will become a matter of personal choice for attendees and exhibitors.
“For decades, the aviation industry has brought people together and transported them forward safely and responsibly,” NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said. “We are leveraging that approach to aviation safety to guide us with regard to NBAA-BACE. We are taking guidance from health and safety experts and adopting trade show best practices.”
Health and safety experts say requiring vaccination is the most effective way to provide a safe environment for in-person events, NBAA noted, adding that the requirement is being employed at other trade shows and live events such as Las Vegas Raiders games, CES (formerly known as Consumer Electronics Show), and the National Association of Broadcasters' annual show.
“Including a vaccine requirement in the comprehensive safety protocols for the show will create the most interactive environment possible for buying, selling, networking, and learning,” Bolen said.
NBAA remains upbeat about the prospects for the show, pointing to a sold-out exhibit floor along with new features like the Maintenance Pavilion and the Owner/Single-Pilot Pavilion. In addition, the association believes a number of major product announcements are being readied for the event.
“This is an exciting time for business aviation,” Bolen said. “Flight activity is high, transactions are strong, and innovations are coming to the market at an accelerated pace. NBAA-BACE is going to be a great show that will move the business aviation industry to new heights.”