Effective September 2, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has expanded previously announced mask exceptions for large indoor events to include conventions, including those held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), which is also the World Trade Center Las Vegas (WTCLV).

The policy expansion provides an option for convention organizers to choose between requiring masks indoors for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status, or ensuring that all attendees are vaccinated, in which case fully-vaccinated attendees can remove their masks.

In line with the large event masking exception that became effective last month for venues with fixed seating of 4,000 or more, this is not a requirement to show proof of vaccination to attend a convention, instead it is an optional exception to the mask requirement if the convention operator chooses to require proof of vaccination for all attendees. More information about the conditions that must be met in order to operate with a mask exception can be found on the Nevada Health Response website.

Convention operators may admit attendees who are only partially vaccinated (e.g. have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination). However, attendees who are only partially vaccinated must continue to wear a mask during the event.

Convention operators who choose the exemption also must implement a system of distinguishing attendees who are fully vaccinated from those who are only partially vaccinated or who, due to age, are ineligible to receive a vaccine, and must enforce the mask requirement for all attendees who are not fully vaccinated during the event.

More detailed guidance is available here.

Currently, in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Las Vegas, the State of Nevada has mandated that everyone, including fully vaccinated individuals, wear a mask in public indoor settings, including resorts and casinos, restaurants, bars, showrooms and meeting spaces. The directive aligns with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance related to mask requirements. Additionally, masks are still required on all public transportation and transportation hubs per CDC guidance.

For more information about the LVCC/WTCLV, visit VegasMeansBusiness.com.