With concern over germs at perhaps an all-time high, event organizers must rethink areas that are traditionally high-touch at conferences and trade shows. These three companies have options to help decrease the risk of spreading the coronavirus at events. 

Antimicrobial Handrails

Ad Rail USA — which is working with major events including CES, RECon, AAFP, AWS Public Summit, Microsoft Inspire, NADA, VMWorld and others — has an antimicrobial handrail media that can significantly cut down germs on escalators. The handrail graphics include a special additive in lamination that has been tested effective against 99.9 percent of bacteria, according to Gianni Cotteta, president of Ad Rail USA. The company launched in 2008 for malls and airports, then expanded to convention centers and events about six years ago—but this product is now seeing more interest than ever. “I've been telling our customers about our antimicrobial benefit for 12 years,” says Cotteta. “However, up until now, revenue has been the main focus and key driver for our clients.” The added benefit here is that these handrail graphics can be branded, providing a perfect sponsorship opportunity.

Sneeze Shield Registration Counters

Registration is typically a high-contact situation at trade shows. To make these areas safer, Kansas City-based Liberty Exposition Services has debuted a new design for registration counters with plexiglass barriers as a response to the pandemic. “Our main goal was to ensure that show management, exhibitors and attendees feel safe and comfortable once they step foot on the show floor again,” says Madison Styhl, a sales associate with Liberty. “These sneeze guards create a protective barrier between staff and those who are registering for the event.” The first event to use the new design was at the Interface conference at Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas. In addition, Liberty also offers hand-sanitizing stations, social distancing floor clings and plastic barriers.

Germ-Free Pens

Branded promotional pens are a ubiquitous staple at trade shows, but with the possibility of many hands touching them at registration or in expo booths over the course of an event, they may not be as safe to use or give away anymore. Jackson, Tenn.-based The Pen Guy offers a line of antimicrobial, antibacterial pens made with special additives that help prevent the spread of bacteria and allergens. According to company CEO Gary Austin, having a mindful strategy to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria at live events is more important than ever. “Our special line of antimicrobial and antibacterial pens uses a unique manufacturing process to prevent the spread of bacteria and allergens, and provides you with a creative, health-conscious way to share your business brand and story,” he says.

What new products are you turning to in planning future trade shows to keep your exhibitors, staff and attendees safe? Tell us in the comments below.