ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT
Portable Sanitation Association International News
BIWEEKLY EDITION MAY 26, 2021
Page 17
The PSAI Supports "Safe in Sound:" A Reopening Checklist
for the Live Entertainment Industry
A
s people in the U.S. continue to get vaccinated and cities
and states begin to reopen, the National Independent
Venue Association (NIVA) and Event Safety Alliance (ESA), in
partnership with Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP),
Coalition of Performing Arts Advocates, and National Independent
Talent Organization (NITO) have joined together to research, create
and present "Safe In Sound," a free reopening checklist for the live
entertainment industry.
This toolkit was developed after consultation with the Centers for
Disease Control (CDC) and based on the most up-to-date guidance and
resources available at Guidance for COVID-19 | CDC. It serves as the
framework for venues and promoters to reopen as safely as possible.
"'Safe In Sound' compiles expansive yet easily digestible information and recommendations provided by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health experts and delivers it in a form tailored
specifically for our industry," said Sean Lynch, co-chair of NIVA's Reopening Task Force. "As we return to these vital
social environments, we need to make sure it's done safely and comfortably for artists, staff, and patrons alike. We
can't wait to return to work and provide the live entertainment experience so many have missed."
The checklist addresses every major issue involved in producing a safe live event, both front of house and back of
house. For example, the guidance addresses concerns including:
• Air circulation
• Face coverings
• Distancing
• Cleaning protocols
• Touchless experiences
• Rules for hospitality/craft services/catering
"While it is always essential to meet state and local legal
requirements, that is just the beginning," said Steven Adelman,
Vice President of the Event Safety Alliance. "Every industry professional knows it takes an enormous amount of
work to make events look simple. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented countless challenges to safely bringing
audiences back to venues, safely getting production staff back to work behind the scenes, and safely returning
artists to stages. We have created industry-specific guidance to put life safety first."
The PSAI is one of dozens of organizations that has
endorsed the document. PSAI Executive Director Karleen
Kos says, "We know that the situation is changing daily.
Any document runs the risk of being outdated as soon
as it is published. Still, the PSAI Board and I thought it
was important to join with so many other organizations
in providing guidance for these large-scale events. Even
though things must remain fluid, we encourage all event
planners and their portable sanitation providers to carefully
study the contents of this guide and to manage risk accordingly. It's a win-win for everyone."
