Updated as of February 11, 2022

I.  Mask Policy

In order to best protect every attendee’s health:

All in-person attendees will be required to wear facemasks during all indoor conference activities and events.  Exceptions are in outdoor spaces and when actively eating/drinking indoors while socially distanced from other participants.

Speakers will not be required to wear masks while presenting. Speakers who prefer to present wearing a mask can use a provided microphone to amplify sound.  We ask that participants honor the requests of others to mask up and/or maintain physical distancing.

Masks must be worn over the nose and mouth and must be made of a tight-knit, non-permeable material. KN95 or N95 masks are recommended; Cloth masks are acceptable. Bandanas, scarfs, and gators are not permitted to be used as masks. [Refer to the CDC’s Guide to Masks].

Attendees should provide their own masks for the event.  However, disposable face masks will be available for distribution at event registration and on-site event zone entrances for those that need them.

II.  Healthy Habits and Safety for Attendees and Exhibitors

We are implementing multiple solutions to maintain a healthy environment for all in-person attendees.

What safety precautions are we taking:

  • We are providing pandemic alternatives, such as boxed lunches, sanitizing stations, spaced seating, and outside networking and social events.
  • We will continue to follow the CDC guidelines regarding the latest information about COVID-19.
  • Our Board regularly meets to discuss current health information and its impacts on our Annual Conference.
  • We are providing transferable registrations and the choice to switch from in-person to virtual registration with a refund of the difference no later than May 15, 2022.
  • We are offering a limited virtual program at a reduced price for those unable to attend in person.

Here’s what you can do to help:

  • We recommend that you get tested for COVID 19 before attending the event in person. You will not have to disclose your test results or vaccination status.
  • If you experience symptoms during the conference, please opt for virtual attendance, if possible.
  • Limit physical contact (hugging, handshaking, etc.) with other attendees.
  • Be mindful of physical social distancing during indoor activities and sessions.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds before and after eating, after using the restroom, and after any physical contact
  • Wear your mask at all times during indoor activities and sessions, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Sanitize hands often by taking advantage of the hand sanitizing stations provided by Ocean Creek Resort and Conference Center.
  • Practice physical distancing whenever possible.

III.  Physical (Social) Distancing

Physical social distancing is highly recommended in event areas.  Seating will be spaced appropriately during conference activities and sessions.  We also recommend that to avoid excessive crowing in the lobby, all networking be moved to one of the outdoor common areas surrounding the conference center perimeter.  Participants are asked to be respectful of each other’s comfort level on social distance.

 IV.  Inherent Risk

There is inherent risk in participating in any activity. Due to the circumstances created by COVID-19, there is a heightened degree of personal risk and responsibility. By participating in in-person ASCUE events, attendees acknowledge these risks and agree to abide by all guidelines. ASCUE attendees will not hold anyone else accountable, including ASCUE should they contract an illness or should anything else happen to them during their participation at ASCE events. Attendees understand that they are responsible for monitoring their own health status and should not attend an event if they are symptomatic in any way or believe they have been exposed to COVID-19.

 V.  Continued Planning

ASCUE will continue to monitor and update safety precautions for the conference regularly and will follow the latest CDC guidelines.

2022 ASCUE Event Safety During the Pandemic

Updated as of February 11, 2022

As the COVID-19 Global Pandemic continues, ASCUE is both cautiously optimistic and prepared to manage our on-site events with the health, safety, and well-being of our members, presenters, exhibitors, and speakers in mind.

We will continue to monitor and update safety precautions for the ASCUE Conference regularly and follow guidelines in accordance with trusted national resources, state and local public health agencies, Ocean Creek Resort and Conference Center, and off-site event venues.

In all cases, we will continue to assess the risks in the local area and the current status in the United States. There may be some events during which the mask requirement may be waived, but for most cases, these will be the policies and procedures required of our attendees at indoor conference activities and events.

ASCUE reserves the right to modify these policies and procedures at any time given the rapidly changing nature of the current global pandemic.

Please continue reading about our 2022 ASCUE Conference In-Person Attendance Requirements and COVID-19 Protocol here.