SMSNA remains fully committed to holding a successful in-person meeting at the Westin Kierland in Scottsdale, AZ this October. SMSNA’s priority remains the health and well-being of our community. We are working closely with the Westin Kierland and third-party vendors to implement thorough but adaptable COVID-19 safety protocols. These protocols will meet or exceed all recommendations and safety procedures from the CDC, the State of Arizona, and the City of Scottsdale. Our current preparations include but are not limited to the following:
-
For the safety of all attendees, everyone attending will be required to complete an attestation indicating that they have been fully vaccinated OR, if they are not fully vaccinated, that they will obtain a negative PCR or antigen coronavirus test within 72 hours of their first day at the 2021 SMSNA Annual Fall Scientific Meeting. They should also attest that, regardless of their vaccination status, they will not be attending the meeting if they are ill or have been exposed to COVID-19 within the 14 days preceding the meeting. All attendees will be asked to complete the attestation either as part of registration, or in case already registered through a link provided by us by email. Individuals who do not complete the attestation will not be permitted to enter the meeting.
-
All meeting attendees will be required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status, within the assigned SMSNA meeting spaces of the Westin Kierland. Masks will be available at the registration desk. Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the hotel including meeting spaces.
- Due to the necessity to continue social distancing, especially while eating, pre-packed food items will be provided for any meals (boxed if possible) which will allow attendees to take their meal at a location outside of the indoor meeting space. The Welcome Reception is scheduled as an indoor and outdoor event, with the food and drinks only offered outside. The SMSNA Foundation event is scheduled as an outdoor event.
-
The Westin Kierland requires temperature checks for all employees prior to being allowed in the property. They also require all employees to wear a mask. For more information on Marriott’s policy to “travel with confidence during COVID-19” please view their website: https://clean.marriott.com/#service. Marriott is the parent company of the Westin brand of hotels.
SMSNA will continuously evaluate and update our plans and guidelines as new information becomes available and as environmental conditions change. We will continue to share all updates on evolving COVID-19 preparations as we actively work to plan for a healthy and productive event. For the most up to date information, please refer to the SMSNA meeting website.
