PAX West
September 3-6, 2021
Seattle, WA
REG IS CLOSED

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION

We’re incredibly excited to see you at PAX West this year! Our team is continually reviewing PAX West health and safety guidelines as they relate to public health recommendations.

Important: This page will evolve along with current conditions and guidance from the CDC and other health agencies. Please check this page regularly for updates.

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WE’RE EXCITED TO WELCOME YOU BACK TO PAX WEST!

At PAX and all ReedPop events, your health and safety are our top priorities. We’ve implemented guidelines and policies to help support a safe experience. Every attendee, including fans, exhibitors, panelists, media, influencers, Enforcers, and show staff, are expected to comply with our health and safety requirements, including:

Vaccine/Negative Testing Verification

In accordance with Washington State and local public health guidance, everyone will need to provide proof of full vaccination, or proof of a negative antigen or PCR COVID-19 test to enter PAX West. For unvaccinated attendees – antigen COVID-19 tests must be taken within six hours of each day of the event's start time, and PCR COVID-19 tests must be taken within 72 hours of each day of entry to the event. For more details and requirements regarding Vaccine/Negative Testing Verification, please click here.

Face Coverings

Everyone is required to wear an approved face covering at all times while attending PAX West. For more details and requirements about face coverings, please click here. 

Costume and Cosplay: Approved face coverings must be visible at all times. For this reason, headwear and cosplay pieces which cover the face in a manner which does not visibly fit the face covering requirements will not be permitted. We appreciate your understanding.

Please note:  Based on current local law and venue requirements, approved face coverings are required for everyone at PAX West: attendees, including cosplayers, exhibitors, guests, Enforcers, and staff. Children under the age of 2 years old are not required to wear an approved face covering, though it is strongly suggested. Management reserves the right, in their sole discretion, to remove from PAX West any individual(s) who fail to comply with the face covering requirement and revoke their badge without refund.

Increased Sanitization and Hygiene

ReedPop works with each venue  on comprehensive health, safety and sanitization standards. It is the responsibility of everyone to maintain personal hygiene. We are closely following the Washington State Convention Center’s evolving WSCC Safety First Plan based on CDC, governmental and industry best practices.

 

Reduced Capacity

In 2021, PAX West will have reduced capacity from prior years - attendance and badges are limited and we are continuously working with the venue to monitor how many people are permitted in the building each day and at a given time.

 

Directional and Distance Markings

We have adjusted our layout and implemented exhibitor recommendations with capacity management and physical distancing in mind. Please follow all floor, directional and distance markings and signage.

Follow All Signage and Direction from Staff

Operational adjustments may occur throughout the event. Please adhere to all signage and direction from all staff, including our Safety Ambassadors.

Follow the Code of Conduct

Please be aware of and respect the personal boundaries of your fellow attendees so that everyone can enjoy their time at PAX West.

 

PAX West management and partners are committed to upholding evolving health & safety standards in accordance with state and local guidance. Additional details about policies and procedures will be posted here as they are made available. To read more about our efforts to ensure Health & Safety at ReedPop, including RX in the new normal, please click here.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation, and we hope you enjoy the show!

HEALTH & SAFETY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Please ensure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to the United States and for travel to Washington. Visit https://coronavirus.wa.gov/travelers-commuters for more information on Washington’s travel advisories. 

Please be advised that a risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any event or public space, including PAX West. Prior to purchasing a ticket/badge for and attending PAX West, please ensure you have read the latest CDC Guidelines for Prevention.

By attending PAX West, you acknowledge this inherent risk and, as a condition of entering PAX West, you acknowledge, understand and confirm each of the following in accordance with applicable health guidelines:

  • You and/or any Minor over the age of 13 for which you serve as a Guardian will activate your Badge and/or any Minor over the age of 13 for which you serve as a Guardian’s badge prior to entering the Event;
  • You and/or any Minor for which you serve as a Guardian will abide by all PAX West health-and-safety requirements;
  • You and/or any Minor for which you serve as a Guardian are not currently experiencing any of the following symptoms of COVID-19, as identified at CDC.gov, including, but not limited to: 
    • Fever or chills
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headache
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Sore throat
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea
  • Prior to attending PAX West you have not been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine;
  • You and/or any Minor for which you serve as a Guardian are not under any self-quarantine orders; and
  • That, in accordance with Washington State recommendations proof of full vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test on behalf of yourself and any Minor for which you serve as Guardian will be required for entry to PAX West. 

For purposes of this acknowledgement, a “Minor” means any individual who is under eighteen (18) years of age or has not reached the age of majority as defined by such individual’s jurisdiction of residence, and a “Guardian” means such Minor’s parent or legal guardian or other individual attending PAX West who is over the age of eighteen (18) and acting in loco parentis for such Minor.

Please do not enter PAX West or Washington State Convention Center if you cannot confirm all of the above criteria. If at any point during your time at PAX West you do not meet all of the above criteria, you will be required to isolate and may be relocated or asked to leave Washington State Convention Center at the sole discretion of event management.

Please note: The guidelines in this document are based on information currently available regarding the behavior and characteristics of the COVID-19 virus, public health information and local or state guidelines with respect to large gatherings in any particular community. As more clarity with respect to these variables emerges, it is expected that these guidelines may need to be adjusted accordingly

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We are working to provide a safe and meaningful event and trust that attendees, exhibitors, and PAX West staff will do so as well. We expect all individuals will think carefully about any risk they may pose to others and to make informed choices about travel as well as onsite and external engagement. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer badge/ticket refunds. Please ensure you are free from COVID-19 symptoms prior to traveling. Please click here to view our full ticket terms and conditions.

Everyone attending PAX West is required to wear an approved face covering. Additional details and guidelines on acceptable face coverings can be found here.

Approved face coverings are required to be worn by all attendees. To request an accommodation or for additional questions regarding accessibility, please contact us at safety@paxsite.com.

ReedPop and PAX West show management partner closely with all venues, local, state, and federal health authorities to maintain a robust operational plan designed to maximize the health and safety of everyone. These Include:

  • Verification of full vaccination or proof of negative COVID-19 test
  • Requirement of approved face coverings for everyone at PAX West
  • Strict compliance with code of conduct (including signage and staff guidance)
  • Retention of exhibitor and attendee information for contact tracing purposes
  • Increased sanitization and hygiene - trash will be removed from the exhibit halls with greater frequency
  • Designated entrance and exit points to the event floor
  • Directional and distance markings
  • Increased staff and security to provide the best customer service and information accessibility

The Washington State Convention Center maintains an extensive health & safety plan for all events, including PAX West. For more information, please click here.

The Washington State Convention Center is proud to have received GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation in recognition of enhanced venue health and safety measures. Established by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (a division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association) the GBAC STAR™ program establishes requirements to support venue work practices, protocols, procedures, and systems that minimize risks associated with infectious agents such as COVID-19

Everyone is expected to fully comply with all health and safety guidelines. Acknowledging the guidelines and agreeing to comply is a requirement of entry (See the Health & Safety Acknowledgement above). PAX West will have specially designated Safety Ambassadors available to ensure all guidelines are being followed.

PAX West expects everyone attending PAX West to adhere to our various policies, including anti-harassment, security screening, and more. Please click here to learn more about the other policies in place at PAX West. 

PAX West has adopted several exhibitor best practices based on industry standards. By taking advantage of these recommendations, your organization will help ensure a safer experience for all attendees and customers. Please note that these recommendations may be revised and supplemented to ensure compliance with state, local and venue requirements. The Exhibitor Manual will be updated periodically to provide clear guidance on recommendations and requirements for Exhibitors.

  • Face Coverings: Ensure that everyone working your exhibit space has appropriate personal protective equipment for the duration of PAX West
  • Space Layout & Design: Keep physical distancing in mind when creating your booth layout
  • Hand Sanitizer: It is required that exhibitors have an adequate supply of alcohol based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol in booths at all times. There will also be hand sanitizer stations located throughout the show floor.
  • Throughput: Control the scale, size and timing of meetings or gatherings within your space; avoid creating crowds
  • Dividers: Consider implementing transparent dividers in areas where people may be in close contact 
  • Reduce Contact: When possible, it is recommended that exhibitors offer touchless (electronic and digital) alternatives to engagement, collateral material and giveaways
  • Signage: Incorporate signage promoting health and safety best practices 
  • Increased Cleaning: Plan for cleaning of spaces and surfaces throughout the day; regularly sanitize surfaces and items with appropriate cleaning products

Positive test results are personal health information and individual test results will be handled by the COVID-19 testing organization conducting testing in compliance with their respective protocols. A list of testing locations in Seattle is available by consulting the https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/testing.aspx.

Tests results may be shared by the testing provider with local health authorities, in compliance with local health department protocols and reporting requirements. Each individual should consult the specific testing provider to understand the relevant results processing and how to obtain his or her results. Personal test results or other personal health information will not, however, be shared directly by the testing provider with RX or PAX West.

Based on CDC Guidance, anyone who has COVID-19 should communicate that they have tested positive to their close contacts so that those contacts can comply with CDC recommendations and Washington requirements, which may include quarantine and/or testing. 
PAX West will comply with any contract tracing and/or notification protocols recommended by health department authorities if we become aware that any individual at PAX West has tested positive for COVID-19. 

PAX West policies and protocols do not substitute for an Exhibitor organization’s process/procedure that may be applicable to exhibitors traveling to the event and/or applicable guidance for all individuals from relevant health authorities; PAX West expects that all individuals will, at all times, comply with all such applicable guidance in addition to our Health & Safety Guidelines.

No. Positive test results are personal health information and individual test results will be handled by the COVID-19 testing organization conducting testing, in compliance with their respective protocols. 

We ask that everyone at PAX West follow public health guidelines and the advice of their physician regarding COVID-19. For your reference, CDC Guidance indicates that anyone who has COVID-19 should communicate that they have tested positive to their close contacts so that those contacts can comply with CDC recommendations as well as Washington requirements, which may include quarantine and/or testing.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have reason to believe you currently have COVID-19, you are not permitted to attend PAX West, including if these conditions emerge while you are in Seattle. If you have reason to believe you have recently been exposed to COVID-19, please consult your physician to determine appropriate next steps and do not attend PAX West. Please review our Health & Safety Acknowledgement each day prior to attending PAX West to ensure you can comply with all of the requirements therein. 

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have reason to believe you currently have COVID-19, you should not attend PAX West, including if these conditions emerge while you are in Seattle. If you have reason to believe you have recently been exposed to COVID-19, please consult your physician to determine appropriate next steps. 

For answers to additional frequently asked questions, please click here. If you’d like to contact us directly, please click here.

FAQs REGARDING VACCINATION AND TESTING

  1. Attendees will be asked to show proof of Full Vaccination for COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test result on their smartphone or through a physical copy, along with an appropriate ID matching the name on the documentation.

  2.  “Full Vaccination” means that the day of your entry to PAX West must be at least 14 days after your final dose of an FDA approved or FDA or WHO authorized vaccine.

  3. For all guests, your documentation needs to be directly from the healthcare provider that performed the vaccination or test, and you can display your proof on your smartphone or present a physical copy.

  4. Proof of Full Vaccination can be provided using one of the following:
  5. Anyone 18 years or older must also present a government-issued ID such as driver’s license or passport. Those younger than 18 may use a government-issued ID, birth certificate, social security card, school ID, or locally-issued ID.

  6. We accept proof of vaccination of any vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines

  7. We accept proof of any rapid antigen or lab PCR test performed by a healthcare provider as long as you are able to provide proof of the negative test result from the healthcare provider (for example, your doctor, an urgent care center or COVID-19 testing center).  We do not accept antibody tests.

  8. All COVID-19 tests must be performed in a lab or clinic - at home tests will not be accepted.

  9. Negative COVID-19 test results must be timestamped to indicate they were administered:
    • For a lab PCR Test - No more than 72 hours prior to arrival at PAX West
    • For a rapid antigen test - no more than 6 hours prior to arrival at PAX West
       
  10. Please note that all restrictions and requirements are subject to change, so continue to check back here closer to PAX West for current guidelines.