Kawaiicon Pioneers Real-Time CO2 Monitoring for Attendee Safety
A new approach to event safety, utilizing readily available technology, allowed attendees at the Kawaiicon convention to proactively manage their personal risk levels. The event implemented a comprehensive CO2 monitoring system, providing attendees with real-time data to inform their decisions regarding masking and social distancing.
Kawaiicon organizers recognized the ongoing need for flexible safety measures, acknowledging that individuals have varying levels of comfort and risk tolerance. “Everyone who occupies the con space we operate have a different risk and threat model, and we want everyone to feel they can experience the con in a way that fits their model,” the organizers explained on their website. This philosophy drove the implementation of a system designed to empower attendees with information, rather than impose rigid restrictions.
Addressing Accessibility and Individual Risk
The decision to prioritize indoor air quality stemmed from a broader commitment to accessibility. According to a spokesperson for Kawaiicon, who goes by Sput online, the considerations were similar to those for other accessibility needs. “To be honest, it is no different than having to consider other accessibility options (e.g., access to venue, access to talks, access to private space for personal needs),” Sput stated in an email.
The event’s tech-savvy community facilitated the relatively easy implementation of the system. “Being a tech-leaning community it is easier for us to get this set up ourselves, or with volunteer help, but definitely not out of reach given how accessible the CO2 monitor tech is,” Sput added.
A Color-Coded System for Immediate Feedback
Attendees at Kawaiicon were able to access CO2 levels in multiple ways. Before arriving, they could check conditions remotely. During the event, attendees were observed using their phones to monitor air quality, adjusting their masking practices accordingly. A central dashboard at the registration desk displayed readings from all rooms.
Within each conference room, small, wall-mounted monitors provided an immediate visual assessment of air quality using a stoplight system: green indicated safe levels, orange signaled a risky environment, and red denoted high CO2 concentrations. This system allowed for quick and intuitive understanding of the immediate environment.
Empowering Attendees in a Post-Pandemic World
The approach taken by Kawaiicon reflects a growing awareness of the importance of indoor air quality and individual agency in managing health risks. The organizers emphasized that their goal was to provide attendees with the information needed to make informed decisions about their participation. “Considering Covid-19 is still in the community, we wanted to make sure that everyone had all the information they needed to make their own risk assessment on ‘if’ and ‘how’ they attended the con,” they wrote. This proactive strategy demonstrates a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees, acknowledging that personal comfort and risk tolerance remain paramount in navigating public events.
