New Calculator Tool Helps You Plan Physically Distanced Events and Exhibitions

July 15, 2020

As exhibitions and events grapple with how they are going to lay out their exhibit floors, meeting rooms and banquet areas, The Expo Group released a Crowd Density Calculator that can be used by anyone seeking to better understand their attendee-to-square-footage capacity.

A free widget also has made available to the industry.

“As we start moving forward together with industry guidelines, our team saw an opportunity to ease the way for others in the industry with these online calculators,” said Randy Pekowski, The Expo Group’s president and COO.

He added, “We invite everyone to try it out, and anyone can place the widget on their websites to promote the healthy and safe return of trade shows and events.”

Dedensification is believed to be important in reducing the spread of COVID-19 when combined with other measures, but strategically spreading out people in spaces can also keep the compelling nature of face-to-face engagement.

The industry guidelines from International Association of Exhibitions and Events and the International Association of Venue Managers recommend 28 square feet per person, which creates a capacity limit just under 50 percent of that required by fire codes in the United States.

The calculator applies the 28-square-foot standard to the gross square footage to help determine the number of humans that can be safely in the space. It also allows users to subtract a percentage of space for equipment or staging areas, and reminds that all staff and exhibitor personnel must count toward total allotted capacity.

Additionally, The Expo Group has released tactical health and safety protocols as well as strategic creative resources for professionals grappling with the impact of COVID-19. Learn more here.

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.