The Helicopter Association International (HAI) said this morning it remains committed to holding its annual Heli-Expo trade show in New Orleans from March 22 to 25, even though it expects to lose money on the event and despite the fact that the city remains under Phase One Covid-19 restrictions. “Our industry needs this boost right now, and it has always been our responsibility to help our members keep their rotors turning,” said HAI president and CEO James Viola. “The doors of HAI Heli-Expo will be open to those who want to buy or sell, receive training, look for a new job, or just network with their industry peers. I hope to see you there.”
He did say he expected attendance this year to be below normal, but added, “We still have hundreds of companies and thousands of attendees who expect to attend, exhibit, or participate in education or industry meetings.”
“Masks, social distancing, frequent cleanings—these are only the tip of the spear in our risk-management plan [to keep participants safe]," added Viola. “By partnering with the staff of the convention center, the city, and local businesses to mitigate the risks for HAI Heli-Expo participants, we believe we can achieve a safe environment for the show.” HAI has also consulted closely with Dr. Allison Stock, an epidemiologist formerly with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) who is working with the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans on health and safety issues.
“We are also working with HAI to make sure their on-site protocols and processes will meet the health and safety guidelines of the CDC and state and local public health authorities," said Dr. Stock. “While we are in Phase One with tighter restrictions right now, that is scheduled to expire on January 29. I fully expect that we will be able to host a show like HAI Heli-Expo in March,”
Viola acknowledged that if Phase One restrictions are still in place at the time of the March show, it will need to be canceled. New Orleans adopted modified Phase One restrictions on January 8 that limit businesses to 25 percent capacity and restrict gatherings to people in immediate households.