You can’t miss the green banner that pops up at the top of every page on the CES 2022 website: “You MUST be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to pick up a badge and access CES in-person in Las Vegas.” CTA also requests that in-person attendees take a self-test 24 hours before leaving for the event and 24 hours after arriving.

CTA announced on Dec. 31 that the show would formally end at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, instead of the previously scheduled closing on Saturday, Jan. 8.

In September, Salesforce required the few in-person attendees at Dreamforce 2021 to show proof of vaccination to enter the event, but CES 2022 will be one of the first large-scale events to do so. Alla Valente, a senior analyst at Forrester, said CTA’s decision to require vaccination reflects a trend she has seen among many of her clients.

“The Forrester clients we speak with are choosing to follow the science and require proof of vaccination for all employees, regardless of whether those employees work in an office or from home,” she said.

Operational details vary, ranging from educational efforts about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine to incentives to encourage people to get the jab to vaccine verification.

SEE:  Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Self Test requires a shallow nasal swab, takes 15 minutes and is an Honoree in the CES 2022 Innovation Awards program.

CTA is providing on-site COVID-19 testing for attendees but has not said if the organization will be tracking the number of cases that crop up during the event.

“CES attendees are encouraged to download the COVID Trace app developed by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services,” Abella said. “The mobile application uses a technology called the Exposure Notifications System from Google and Apple.”

CTA has implemented several other safety protocols such as improved ventilation and social distancing.

Editor’s note: This article was updated to reflect the new closing date for CES 2022.


Image: CES