STAFDA provides safety update on Orlando convention

STAFDA - the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distribution Association - said it’s keeping an eye on the COVID-19 Delta variant.

The association’s upcoming convention and trade show is scheduled for Oct. 24 to Oct. 26 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Fla.

In a prepared statement emailed to members, STAFDA said, “For months, STAFDA has been working closely with Orlando Health to provide attendees with a safe and positive experience. Near STAFDA’s registration area, Event Medical Services LLC will be onsite to provide medical care”

STAFDA also noted that Orlando has a proven track record of hosting safe and healthy meetings. 

Since reopening, the city has hosted more than 100 meetings at the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) accredited Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). 

Orlando’s airport and STAFDA’s host hotels also have the GBAC stamp of approval awarded to facilities that follow a high standard of cleaning, disinfection, and disease prevention, the association said. The OCCC also recently hosted a 17,000-person General Assemblies of God event with no health-related issues.

Orange County employees, which includes the OCCC, will be required to be fully vaccinated and wear masks indoors. Local government leaders urge all residents and visitors to wear masks in indoor spaces, following CDC guidelines. More than 64% of county residents are fully vaccinated and with mobile vaccination sites, that percentage continues to climb.

“As we’re all aware, the key to stamping this out is getting vaccinated,” STAFDA said. “Children need vaccinations before they start school and dogs need to be current on their shots before being boarded or admitted to ‘doggy daycare.’ The COVID shot is no different.”

STAFDA also noted that it will offer lapel pins attendees can wear to indicate if they are fully vaccinated. Additionally, a choice of “yellow” or “STAFDA blue” lanyards. Yellow will indicate those who want to “catch up, but still feel cautious” and STAFDA blue will indicate those open to “high fives and handshakes.”

More information about the convention is available here.