As we’ve seen for every one of the past 10 years, we are again planning for the largest attendee and exhibitor attendance in the history of the show. More than 600 exhibitors, 1,500 bakers, 9,000 pizzeria operators, their managers and key employees are scheduled to attend. This is going to be another very successful year!

The health and safety of the Pizzeria and Artisan Bakery communities is of the utmost importance to Emerald, and we want to be transparent in sharing information about what we are doing to prepare for the upcoming editions of International Pizza and Artisan Bakery Expos. We have added both hand-washing stations and sanitizing solution dispensers throughout the show floor, lobby and show offices. We are also actively monitoring the situation daily and following all safety information and precautions set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other federal, state and local governmental agencies, as applicable.

At this time, we do not anticipate any changes or delays to our upcoming events. International Pizza and Artisan Bakery Expos are expected to take place March 31 – April 2 as planned at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV and we are committed to providing you with the most appropriate industry-related seminars, demonstrations and networking events available anywhere in the world.

As the show nears, our team is working diligently to welcome over 13,000 participants to another edition of International Pizza Expo and International Artisan Bakery Expo. In doing so, we want to assure you that:

• We are closely monitoring coronavirus developments and we are fully committed to taking appropriate precautions to provide a safe and healthy environment for all participants, including attendees, exhibitors, staff, industry partners, and other involved with the show.
• We are working closely with our partners at the Las Vegas Convention Center who have increased cleaning protocols and other safety precautions.

As you are planning travel, it is important to understand the symptoms and risks relating to coronavirus and the proactive steps you can take to stay healthy. We encourage you to follow the below precautions:

PRECAUTIONS

To protect yourself from the flu, or any respiratory virus, practice everyday actions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water (or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% to 95% alcohol when soap and water are not available)
• Cover your nose and mouth with your arm or your clothing when coughing and sneezing
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Use antiseptic wipes to clean frequently touched surfaces, such as tray tables on airplanes
• Stay home if you are sick

SYMPTOMS

• Symptoms of coronavirus may include fever, cough and/or shortness of breath or other respiratory issues and usually appear within two to 14 days.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP

• Anyone experiencing the symptoms described above, who also has a recent history of travel to countries currently listed under the CDC’s Warning Level 3 / Avoid Nonessential Travel; China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy, or any other area where COVID-19 is spreading, should first call a healthcare provider, urgent care, or hospital for instructions before going to a clinic or emergency room.

Additional information about the coronavirus can be found on the CDC website:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html

In conclusion, we’re planning for the largest attendee and exhibitor turn-out in the history of the show. We’re busy reviewing our final “to-do” lists making sure the event will once again exceed everyone’s expectations.

Bottom-line, it’s Game On! When the time comes to look back at the event … this year’s event will have been another spectacular one.

I’m looking forward to seeing you all.

Best regards.

Pete Lachapelle
VP, The Global Food Group
Emerald