COVID-19 Measures: Safety and Precautions

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Planning Ahead for a Live Event

As we plan for an in-person Annual Conference & Expo, the health and safety of our attendees remains paramount. As the situation with COVID-19 changes, we will adapt our preparation accordingly to ensure a safe environment for all our attendees.

Safe Venue

The Austin Convention Center has achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. Under the guidance of GBAC — a division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association — the Austin Convention Center Department has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention for the facility. More information on their COVID-19 response is available here.

Safe Community

All Annual Conference & Expo attendees (including guests if applicable) will be required to*:

• Complete an onsite self-screening screening checklist to verify that they are not experiencing symptoms, have not had close contact with a positive case and have not been advised to self-isolate.
• Wear a mask or face covering at all times while at the conference and its social functions, except in limited settings such as during meals.This is in accordance with the City of Austin’s mask mandate for its properties, which include the Convention Center.
• Accept our terms of services (including the voluntary assumption of all risks related to exposure to COVID-19).
• Adhere to social distancing guidelines and safety-related instructions during the event.

If you are unwilling or unable to comply with the above health and safety measures on-site, please contact [email protected] by September 3 to discuss alternative options for your registration. We regret that we will be unable to grant access to noncompliant participants.

*Any attendee refusing to comply with the above health and safety measures on-site will not be granted access to the event, nor will any refunds or expense reimbursements be issued.

Safe Environment

We have created a safe and secure conference plan that prioritizes the health and safety of all in attendance. This plan includes:

Attendance Screening

By attending the Annual Conference & Expo, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. To learn more or read our terms of service, click here.

You also assure us that at the time that you first attend the conference and for the 14 days prior:

1. You are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
2. You have not provided care or had close contact with any person with or reasonably suspected of having COVID-19,.
3. You have not had a positive COVID-19 test for active virus within the last 14 days.
4. You have not been advised by any health authority, government agency or regulation to self-isolate due to possible exposure to COVID-19.

Facial Coverings

In accordance with the current guidelines for large gatherings, PPE or face coverings will be required for all individuals at all times while at the conference and inside Austin Convention Center buildings. As rules change and evolve, we will update this information and communicate to attendees.

Strategic Scheduling and Traffic Flow Considerations:

All educational programming features staggered start and end times to allow for physical distancing when traveling the event spaces, increased sanitation measures and lower volumes of attendees in one place.

Reduced Touchpoints

• Reduction and minimal handling of the physical distribution of on-site materials.
• Food and beverage options that ensure minimal handling and exposure.

Enhanced Communication

• We will continue to issue communications to all attendees on what to expect and how to prepare for the conference, from registration to materials to room layout to food and beverage options and more.
• Education and training for Annual Conference staff to ensure we provide a safe and secure conference experience.
• Distribution of local health-resource information in advance of the event.
• Ongoing communication and advance planning with the venue regarding enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures, response strategies and other on-site protocols.

Increased Cleaning and Sanitation

• Placement of hygiene stations throughout the conference, including the registration area, meeting spaces and high-frequency areas.
• Availability of personal hygiene and safety products including facial coverings.

Safety and Physical Distancing

• Physical distancing protocols such as limiting attendance as needed, directional signage and markers throughout the conference.
• A conference room layout with planned seating for appropriate physical distancing.

We are closely monitoring industry best practices and will be evaluating further additional measures pertaining to attendance requirements, on-site screening and other safety protocols based on the advice of health authorities.

This page will be updated regularly; please check back frequently.