Domestic Travel and Event Bans Event Professionals Need to Know
March 12, 2020
The NBA has suspended its season and the NCAA Tournament will be played without fans. Organizations around the country are reacting to the news of COVID-19 by encouraging “social distancing,” and federal, state and local governments are imposing bans on travel and large gatherings—all in the name of halting the spread of the virus. What that means for event professionals is that in many locations, canceling or postponing an event is not a choice, but a requirement.
Here’s what you need to know now on a national, state and city level. Please note, this story continues to develop.
NATIONAL
President Trump issued a ban on travel from Europe on March 11. U.S. citizens returning from the 26 countries in Europe’s Schengen area, however, will be permitted to return to the country.
The CDC encourages all travelers to review this complete list of destinations and corresponding travel restrictions and warnings here before embarking on any international travel and is recommending travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the following European countries. The Department of State is also advising U.S. citizens to reconsider all travel abroad at this time.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican City
STATE
California: Governor Gavin Newsom issued an announcement on March 11 banning gatherings of 250 or more people, and stated that a personal distance of at least 6 feet should apply to attendees at smaller meetings. Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people, while also following social distancing guidelines.
Colorado: On March 10, Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency. In a news conference, Polis stated, “To our state and our economy, it’s important for me to say declaring a state of emergency does not mean that Colorado isn’t open for business, or recreation, or tourism. We are.”
Maryland: Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced a state of emergency after three confirmed cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the state on March 7, according to the state’s Department of Health.
Massachusetts: Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency as cases statewide jumped by 51 to 92 as of March 11. Of that number, 70 are now connected to a meeting held by the biotech company Biogen from Feb. 24-27 at the Marriott Long Wharf in Boston.
Nevada: At press time, no meeting bans or restrictions have been issued. However, many organizations have proactively canceled large meetings and events.
New Jersey: The number of coronavirus cases in the tri-state area has tripled since Friday (March 6) — surging from 49 cases to 156 — and leading New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency.
Ohio: Gov. Mike DeWine signed an order March 12 prohibiting gatherings of 100 or more people.
Oregon: On March 11, Governor Kate Brown announced a state-wide ban on meetings of 250 or more people. At this time, the ban is slated to last for four weeks.
Washington: Following his declaration of a state emergency on Feb. 29, Governor Jay Inslee issued a proclamation on March 11 restricting gatherings of 250 or more people in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Washington has been home to the majority of deaths in the U.S. from COVID-19. In addition, Inslee is discouraging packing into crowded bars, saying such socializing has become “unacceptable.”
Washington D.C.: While no formal ban has been issued, the DC Health Department on Monday recommended that all non-essential mass gatherings of 1,000 people or more be postponed or cancelled through March 31.
CITY
New York City: As of Monday (March 9) afternoon, New York has the most cases of COVID-19 in the country. That includes new cases in Westchester County, which has become one of the nation's biggest COVID-19 hotspots. Schools and houses of worship in the New York City suburb of New Rochelle will be shut down for two weeks as the state works to contain the nation’s biggest known cluster of COVID-19 cases, with more than 100 sickened. On Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he intends to send the National Guard to help scrub public spaces and deliver food. March 12, Mayor Bill De Blasio declared a state of emergency in New York City.
San Francisco: On March 11, the city enacted a ban on gatherings of 1,000 or more people, including sporting events.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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