Social distancing technology trial in Canberra first of its kind for industry

14 July 2020 •

The National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC) was home today to the first in-person social distancing technology trial using a smart e-badge developed by events industry experts at Harry The Hirer.

The smart e-badge consists of a small disc attached to an event lanyard and alerts users through discrete vibration when social distancing is less than 1.5 metres. It then resets once delegates apply the 1.5 metres distancing guideline.

The successful trial at the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC) was the first of its kind for the industry. The technology was tested during a Canberra Region Tourism Advisory Forum briefing attended by ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, Canberra Airport Chief Executive Officer Stephen Byron, Australian Hotels Association ACT General Manager Anthony Brierley, and 90 tourism industry representatives.

“As one of the largest purpose-built meetings and events venues in Canberra, we’re thrilled to be trialling this technology for the first time in Australia. There is great potential for this technology to assist in reinstating confidence for meeting planners and attendees looking to organise and attend events in Canberra,” said Stephen Wood, General Manager at the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC).

Used in conjunction with other safety measures such as thorough sanitising, extensive hand washing and clear signage outlining COVID-safe practices, the e-badge provides an additional tool to ensure delegates feel safe when attending in-person events and public gatherings.

“The initiative will help individuals control their own environment and personal space, and presents another tangible, practical measure to help people feel comfortable in participating in events. I see application for venues, institutions, and galleries to use the platform to assist with gatherings, tours and staff,” said Michael Matthews, Chief Executive Officer at Canberra Convention Bureau.

“Canberra is a modern city with many open spaces that are congestion free and offer highly controllable environments to plan events and delegate movement,” concluded Mr Matthews.

The technology is available in lanyard disc and wrist band format through Harry The Hirer.

 

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