As the JIS team and the jewelry industry are working hard to deliver a fantastic March show, we understand that health & safety are very top of mind for everybody and would like to give you a quick preview into how we are approaching these matters. Jewelers International Showcase is committed to organizing events in line with up to date guidance from public health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), state and local governments and the protocols put in place by our network of venue partners. 

As part of that commitment, and to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of everyone at our events, we have created a Health & Safety Task Force to develop and implement policies and best practices around COVID-19 response and prevention. These policies and best practices are being updated and adjusted as more information and guidance becomes available.

At this time, we are focused on five operational pillars related to health and safety:

• Clear messaging that reflects all COVID-19 protocols and requirements displayed throughout the venue/event and provided in advance to all customers, vendors and staff;
• Approved self-assessments, non-invasive entry screening, and medical facilities and response teams;
• Hand sanitizer dispensers deployed throughout exhibit hall and other areas;
• Use of disinfectant products that have been pre-approved and certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against emerging viruses, bacteria, and other airborne and blood-borne pathogens;
• Clearly defined cleaning procedures, including sanitization of key touchpoints (such as door handles) during peak periods and regularly throughout the event;
• Modified exhibit floor to accommodate physical distancing, capacity limits and traffic flow;
• Modified common areas to ensure appropriate physical distancing and dedicated entrance and exit areas;
• Transparent barriers to provide physical distancing at Event management customer-contact areas and service elements;
• Clear guidelines around booth design and cleaning requirements for all exhibitors and on-site inspections to ensure compliance with those requirements;
• Limits on meetings/conference session/panel capacity and revised layouts for appropriate physical distancing;
• Additional time between meetings/conference sessions/panels to allow for thorough room cleaning and sanitization;
• No handshake policy; and
• Requiring the use of face coverings by all staff, customers and vendors (i) when the individual may not be able to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between themselves and others, or (ii) as required by state and local government.

• The MBCC task force received guidance through the following resources: federal, state, county and city guidelines, industry associations and affiliations, destination partners, General Service Contractors and clients.
• Much like COVID-19, this recovery plan is very fluid and will change. It has been developed with protective our collective public health.
• There is an on-going collaboration amongst the MBCC’s internal taskforce, corporate, clients and external contract partners.

Cleaning: There will be an increase in the frequency of cleaning in high-traffic public areas throughout the facility.

• High-traffic areas include door handles, elevator buttons, escalator handrails, etc.
• Areas will be frequently sanitized with EPA registered disinfectants (as recommended by the CDC) by cleaning staff.
• Restrooms will be sanitized with EPA registered disinfectants, and MBCC restrooms include touchless faucets and flushes.
• Rooms and equipment will have increased cleaning.
• Informational hygiene signage has been installed throughout the venue (both back of house and front of house) in English and Spanish encouraging health practices such as handwashing, respiratory etiquette and “stay home if sick” messaging.
• MBCC is in the process of obtaining its GBAC Star Facility accreditation.
• MBCC has adopted the MB Standard, a City of Miami Beach program that recognizes business establishments that adhere to public health criteria required by the State of Florida, Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami Beach while implementing enhanced safety measures.
• MBCC has designated Health Ambassadors to coordinate with local teams, work with local public health officials, act as client liaisons and conduct sanitation walkthroughs.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All MBCC employees will wear personal protective equipment, including face coverings, in support of the City of Miami Beach’s public health recommendations.  

• Portable and wall-mounted hand sanitizing stations can be found throughout lobbies, meeting room corridors, pre-function spaces and other high-traffic areas.
• All guests will be required to wear a face covering once they enter MBCC, in accordance with local recommendations.

Food and Beverage: Centerplate (MBCC’s exclusive provider for F&B) has launched Rise with Centerplate, a multidimensional approach based on the preventative practices for F&B.  Customized menus and presentations are tailored to provide a safer experience for guests.

Staff Training: All MBCC employees will be participating in the State of Florida Department of Health COVID-19 & PPE Training program.

Physical Distancing: In accordance with the City of Miami Beach and Miami Dade County requirements (and as suggested by the CDC), MBCC’s guidelines follow the rule of 6 feet of distance between employees and all others (including front of house, back of house, all offices and in public spaces).

Medical Response: MBCC will work with the City of Miami Beach officials (in consultation with event organizers) to create a designated area for guests who are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

• MBCC is working with local public health officials regarding reporting protocols.
• MBCC will determine to the best extent possible what areas of the venue were visited, used or impacted by an infected guest.

Technology: MBCC and its affiliated vendors, clients and partners will work together to leverage technology in order to minimize touchpoints.

• MBCC staff will work with GSCs, clients and other partners to develop virtual registration and self-service kiosks where possible.
• Smart City (Internet and telecommunications) has a wireless infrastructure for clients.
• First Class Valet (valet parking) has ticketless service and payment options
• Centerplate (F&B) has contactless payment methods and other service enhancements to reduce touchpoints.

More information about the Miami Beach Convention Center Phased Opening Approach is available HERE (MBCC Recovery Initiatives: A Planned Phased Recovery) for your reference.