Simple steps for a safe and successful show

As we look to rebuild, in what will undoubtedly be a demanding new era for the UK economy, the manufacturing technologies industry must be seen to be leading the way to recovery, and a showpiece exhibition such as MACH will be the ideal platform on which to demonstrate our resilience and ingenuity.

The success of UK manufacturing has been built on finding innovative solutions to technical challenges, so as you would expect from the UK’s manufacturing show, the use of new technology will be prominent throughout the exhibition, starting with the process of keeping everyone safe.

We want as many people as possible to share this experience with us, which is why we are determined to make MACH 2021 the safest it has ever been so that exhibitors and visitors alike feel reassured and free to conduct business safe in the knowledge they remain in a secure environment.

We have all had to get used to changes in the way we conduct our everyday lives during the past few months but the heartening thing about this is the willingness in which it has been adopted. So, visitors to MACH 2021 will be pleased to know the changes we will be implementing are nothing most of us are not already used to.
We are working in close collaboration with the NEC in Birmingham and all the measures adopted for the show will be in line with current public health regulations. If further changes are warranted between now and 25th January when the show opens, then these will be incorporated into our safety protocols.

Keeping physical contact down to a minimum will be important and to help with this, contactless technology will be in operation throughout the show. This starts with personal Smart Badges, which will be issued to all visitors as soon as they register. The embedded technology within the badges ensures they serve as personal passports, allowing visitors to access product information and exhibitor details at terminals located throughout the exhibition halls.

Registering in advance is being strongly encouraged to assure the safest visitor experience and help with swift entry into the exhibition halls on the day. However, if they do not receive their badges in time, visitors will still be permitted to register on the day by scanning a barcode on a printed invitation or via their mobile device. Pre-registering will also help with track and trace should it be necessary.

Digital alternatives to exchanging business cards and product catalogues is also being encouraged, which will have the added advantage of reducing the exhibition’s carbon footprint in terms of printed material.

Complete non-contact will be impossible but the strictest of hygiene procedures will be adopted throughout the show. Enhanced cleaning will take place before, during and after the show and frequent touch surfaces such as door handles will be regularly cleaned. Toilets will be regularly disinfected and there will be additional handwashing facilities throughout the venue, with visitors being encouraged to use them regularly throughout the day. Likewise, hand sanitiser stations will be in all areas, with signage encouraging people to use them.

Signage and floor markings will also be in place encouraging people to observe social distancing requirements.

Just as people do when they now go shopping, visitors will be required to wear a mask or face shield in all communal areas, stands and exhibition halls. Anyone feeling unwell or running a temperature will be asked to stay home.

To reinforce all the arrangements, the MTA has commissioned a short safety video, which anyone visiting the show will be able to view in advance.
Nothing of what is planned is outside of what is now the normal. Simply by doing what people do already will help to keep everyone safe.

On behalf of MACH 2021, we want you to have a safe, and successful show.

James Selka, DL

Chief Executive Officer

The Manufacturing Technologies Association

www.mta.org.uk