WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation announced today additional investments in health and safety protocols for its 112th Annual Convention, which is on track to welcome more than 25,000 attendees to New York City January 16-18 for NRF 2022: Retail’s Big Show. In addition, NRF announced that with nearly one month until the event, the total number of exhibitors and square footage of exhibit space already exceeds totals for NRF 2020.
NRF announced enhancements to existing health and safety protocols, which require proof of vaccination and indoor mask-wearing to attend the event. In addition, NRF will provide attendees and exhibitors of the annual NRF Big Show with COVID-19 rapid self-tests, as well as access to PCR tests on-site at the Javits Center. Testing kits will be available at both remote registration sites and at the convention center, and PCR tests will be available on-site at the Javits Center during the show.
“Like all of our attendees, we are closely monitoring the external health environment. That’s why we are making additional investments to enhance our existing health protocols, which require vaccination and mask-wearing for all attendees. We are encouraged by conversations with our partners in the state of New York and New York City who support our efforts, and together we are committed to making this a safe and successful event. We are also excited to welcome nearly 900 exhibitors as well as hundreds of retailers and thousands of attendees representing brands large and small, from startups to icons. And we will continue to work with local, state and federal health officials to ensure we meet and exceed safety guidelines and mandates,” said Matthew Shay, President and CEO of NRF.
Current health and safety protocols for NRF 2022: Retail’s Big Show include:
COVID-19 Testing:
NRF advises that attendees test at home before initiating travel to New York City. Upon arrival, NRF will provide attendees and exhibitors with test kits to use at their discretion. PCR tests will be available on-site at the Javits Center Monday, January 17, and Tuesday, January 18.
Vaccination:
All Big Show attendees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. They must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend. More information can be found here.
- Exhibitors and attendees must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or World Health Organization (WHO). Approved vaccines can be found here.
- Exhibitors and attendees from the United States are encouraged to use the free CLEAR mobile app and Health Pass feature to expedite vaccine validation.
- International exhibitors and attendees and those without access to CLEAR will need to provide their proof of vaccination at designated locations on-site.
Masks:
The Javits Center requires masks to be worn inside the building. Masks will be provided to those without. To be clear, masks are required:
- In exhibit booths and indoor exhibit facilities
- In conference and keynote rooms
- On shuttle buses
It is important to note that the Javits Center has greatly improved its ventilation systems as well as cleaning and disinfecting practices. Sanitation stations will be positioned throughout the Javits and wider aisles on the exhibit floor will enhance the ability to maintain social distancing.
More information is available about the Big Show and health protocols.
About NRF
The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 52 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com