NAEC Provides COVID, Ida Updates Ahead Of New Orleans Event

In response to questions and concerns about COVID-19 cases in New Orleans, the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) believes it can safely hold its planned, in-person 72nd Annual Convention and Exposition, David Smarte, the association’s Global Education & Safety Officer, said recently. “We wanted to reassure you that we are closely monitoring the situation and will always be making decisions in the best interest of our members’ health and safety,” Smarte said. He noted that attendance registration numbers are “well ahead” of numbers in NAEC’s last in-person meeting: 878 this year, compared to 517 in 2019. He said the organization is considering several safety precautions, including widening aisles, possible mask mandates and sanitizing protocols. Smarte said “vaccination rates continue to soar in NOLA,” and he assured members that NAEC will keep them informed of the situation. In addition, NAEC provided an update on the effects of Hurricane Ida, which struck New Orleans on August 29. The association said that, while the storm impacted many in the city and surrounding areas, it has learned the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has power and that the rest of downtown is coming back online, as well. “We are hoping everyone in the state of Louisiana is as safe and healthy as possible, given the circumstances,” NAEC said. The convention and expo will be held October 4-7 at the Convention Center. For more information, visit the convention website.