Global Gaming Expo will require vaccinations for all guests, participants

Tuesday, August 31, 2021 6:55 PM
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming

The Global Gaming Expo Tuesday announced that all participants and guests will be required to have proof of vaccination to attend the 2021 event.

G2E is scheduled for October 4-7 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

“Our highest priority for G2E 2021 is providing a safe and productive event for the global gaming industry,” said American Gaming Association Vice President, Global Events, Meredith Pallante in a statement. “We know how important vaccines are to continuing gaming’s strong recovery. Vaccinations are also one more tool to help us safely welcome the industry back to Las Vegas for another fantastic show.”

The new requirement is supported by the show’s sponsor, the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, and is in concert with the state of Nevada’s guidance regarding COVID-19 mitigation. In mid-August, Gov. Steve Sisolak stated that large indoor sites in Nevada can opt of out state mask requirements if they verify that guests are vaccinated.

“We know how enthusiastic the gaming community is about G2E 2021 and we also understand the importance of hosting an event where everyone feels as safe as possible,” said G2E Event Director Korbi Carrison in a statement. “We are continuously following government and public health guidance and having data-driven conversations with health and safety experts to guide our decision making. We’re thankful for exhibitors’ and stakeholders’ continued support throughout this process.”

On July 30, Sisolak issued an emergency directive requiring everyone, including fully vaccinated individuals, to wear face coverings at indoor public settings in counties – including Clark County, where Las Vegas is located — with substantial or high transmission rates. On August 11, G2E announced that all attendees at the expo would be required to wear face coverings in accordance with Sisolak’s directive.

Proof of a vaccine approved by the Federal Drug Administration or authorized for emergency use by the FDA or the World Health Organization will be required for all exhibitors, guests, speakers, media and AGA and medical staff.

Details on the updated policy are available in the Health & Safety Guidelines, and verification measures will be available soon. Updates to G2E 2021’s health and safety policies and procedures will be made available at GlobalGamingExpo.com.

Rege Behe is lead contributor to CDC Gaming. He can be reached at rbehe@cdcgaming.com. Please follow @RegeBehe_exPTR on Twitter.