G2E 2021 Overview: Covid Restrictions and Policies

The COVID-19 pandemic derailed the 2020 gaming conference schedule, sending numerous events online. After having to cancel the 2020 G2E in person show, G2E announced its return in April. G2E 2021 is scheduled for October 4-7 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. But with the Delta variant raging, the show is becoming more and more restricted.

As the name implies, G2E is more than a conference. It’s an expo.

Every fall, tens of thousands of gaming industry folks descend on the Sands Expo in Las Vegas for the multi-day multi-track G2E conference and to see the latest-greatest products the gaming industry has to offer on the nearly 400,000 square foot showroom floor. Attendees network, learn about the latest trends from legal US sports betting to esports betting.

When G2E 2020 was forced online, it ended up being a shell of its true self. So, it’s not surprising to see the American Gaming Association (AGA) already making plans for an in-person return in 2021.

G2E 2021: The Return To A Live Event

Editor’s note: Since this article was posted, Las Vegas instituted a new policy that allows vaccinated individuals at conferences to go maskless.

What started as the anticipated capacity and travel restrictions has morphed into mask mandates, and most recently, a vaccine mandate.

That isn’t too surprising and is something I predicted might happen when the return of G2E was first announced in April:

It isn’t called Global Gaming Expo without reason. The event brings in people from across the globe and every continent except for Antarctica… as far as I know.

That likely means potential visitors from countries with a less robust vaccination program and different illness variants. Even if things are going well on the COVID front in the US and beyond, that risk could necessitate negative tests or proof of vaccination from attendees.

These restrictions will certainly have a negative impact on attendance, and with the show still a month away, I wonder if there’s any discussion about paring G2E down even further or even canceling the show altogether.

Proof of Vaccination now Required

The vaccine requirement was announced this week. “Proof of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA or authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO will be required for all exhibitors, attendees, speakers, media, and AGA and RX staff,” a press release from G2E notes.

“Our highest priority for G2E 2021 is providing a safe and productive event for the global gaming industry,” said Meredith Pallante, vice president, global events at the AGA. “We know how important vaccines are to continuing gaming’s strong recovery. Vaccinations are also one more tool to help us safely welcome the industry back to Las Vegas for another fantastic show.”  

“We know how enthusiastic the gaming community is about G2E 2021 and we also understand the importance of hosting an event where everyone feels as safe as possible,” said Korbi Carrison, G2E event director. “We are continuously following government and public health guidance and having data-driven conversations with health and safety experts to guide our decision making. We’re thankful for exhibitors’ and stakeholders’ continued support throughout this process.”

Facial Coverings Also Required

Attendees will also need to wear approved facial coverings.

Per the G2E website:

“Effective July 30, 2021, Nevada adopted the updated CDC Mask Guidance. At this time, in line with state and local regulations, all individuals are required to wear a face covering while attending G2E. We are monitoring this closely and will continue to adjust our face covering requirements to align with state, local, and venue requirements at the time of the event.”

Capacity and Distancing Limits

Don’t expect packed conference rooms, shoulder-to-shoulder networking events, or the typical bustling showroom floor. G2E 2021 will have distancing and capacity limits in place, which will extend to the conference and the showroom floor.

“We have adjusted our layout and implemented exhibitor guidelines with capacity management and physical distancing in mind,” the G2E website says. “Please follow all floor, directional, and distance markings and signage.”

Travel Restrictions Will Keep People Away

And then there are the travel restrictions in place. The US is restricting travel from many countries, which will keep plenty of would-be G2E attendees at home.

There are exceptions, but visitors from gambling hubs and emerging markets like the UK, Brazil, and India are restricted from traveling to the US.

What Will G2E 2021 Look Like?

These restrictions and the continued uncertainty of the COVID situation will almost certainly result in G2E 2021 being a shell of former shows. What is usually 20,000-plus attendees could very well be just a few thousand, and even though that’s an impressive number, the size of the venue, the facial coverings, and past experiences will surely make for a more subdued atmosphere this time around.

Everyone will be happy to reconvene, but with vendors looking to sell their wares and companies looking to hold networking meetings, I’d expect the mood to deteriorate as the show enters the second and third days.