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 this fall, the health, safety and well-being of our attendees remains our top priority. As new information is made available, we will enhance our preparation to comply with social distancing recommendations and to ensure a safe environment for all attendees. When you arrive at the event, you will see that a lot has changed.

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.

Steps taken to protect you include:

Attendance Screening:

All attendees will need to assert that at the time that they first attend the conference and for the 14 days prior:

• They are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
• Have not traveled outside of the United States** or in an area under a travel health advisory
• Have not provided care for or had close contact with any person with or reasonably suspected of having COVID-19, or with any person who traveled outside of the United States** or to an area under a travel health advisory
• Have not been advised by any health authority, government agency or regulation to self-isolate due to possible exposure to COVID-19

**For our Canadian and International members and conference attendees, we continue to follow government recommendations and monitor border closure and travel restrictions/advisories. Please stay tuned for an update to the above policies as it impacts non-U.S. attendance. Canadian and International participants may register at any time and rest assured that your investment will not be lost (see worry-free registration).

Link to COVID-19 symptoms
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

We are closely monitoring industry best practices and will be evaluating further additional measures pertaining to vaccinations and on-site screening based on the advice of health authorities.

Facial Coverings

In accordance with current guidelines for large gatherings, PPE or face coverings will be required by 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.

Enhanced Communication

• We will be issuing advance 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 onsite protocols.

Reduced Touchpoints

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

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 continue to work closely with our venue partners to ensure the safety of our attendees.

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