COVID-19 Guidelines

CRWAD COVID-19 Guidelines 

CRWAD & HOTEL SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR THE IN-PERSON CONFERENCE (updated 4.5.2022)

CRWAD continues to consult weekly with local health authorities and the host hotel which have provided safety guidelines for the onsite registration process, exhibit hall and seating plans in the meeting space. Conference seating will allow for appropriate distancing. The Chicago Marriot Downtown Magnificent Mile has also installed high level filtering systems to clean and increase airflow in public spaces.

CRWAD will continue to monitor municipality, hotel and CDC recommendations weekly and make changes to this guidelines page when needed.   Mask requirements for the City of Chicago can be found here.  CRWAD strongly encourages attendees to be vaccinated when possible.

We ask that any attendees exhibiting symptoms of illness do not come to the convention rooms or registration desk but connect with our registration desk via email if assistance is needed. Please help us lessen exposure of attendees if you are experiencing symptoms.

 

REGISTRATION DESK & WALK-UP REGISTRATIONS
CRWAD will host a registration desk throughout the conference. When attendees arrive we ask that you allow adequate spacing to others. We plan to clean pens, hand sanitizer and disposable masks if needed. Pens will be sanitized after use and the registration desk area will be sanitized when feasible.

Pre-Registrations is highly encouraged to diminish necessary contact at the registration desk. Walk-up registrations will be accepted but registering parties will be asked to pay by credit card and access the registration system on their own device.

 

GUESTS/CHILDREN
Due to current health and safety protocols, guests and children are asked to not loiter in the public conference spaces as much as possible.

 

FACE COVERINGS
Currently the Chicago municipality is under a partial mask mandate.  CRWAD recommends that attendees wear a mask indoors where social distancing cannot be accommodated. The hotel may update protocol on their ‘clean.marriott’ page.

 

ON-SITE HOTEL SAFETY MEASURES
All meeting rooms will be set up to allow for more social distancing. All seating will have tables, ‘theatre’ seating will not be provided. ‘Sanitizing wipes’ will be made available at the podium for speakers to wipe the podium and or mics as desired. The hotel will supply hand sanitizing stations throughout the meeting space, lobby and near elevators. Breaks will be provided in a large space to allow attendees to spread out. Some seating will be available in the foyer areas.

 

SLEEPING ROOMS & PUBLIC SPACES
In public spaces, the hotel has added to its already rigorous cleaning protocols, requiring that surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and that this cleaning is done with increased frequency. In guest rooms, Marriott has added to its detailed cleaning practices, requiring all surfaces to be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. In the US, wipes will be available upon guest request at the front desk.

These new enhanced cleaning technologies including electrostatic sprayers are being used to sanitize surfaces throughout the hotel. The Marriott is using air purifying systems that are effective against viruses in the air and on surfaces. Learn more about our partnership with Ecolab and their products on their ‘clean.marriott’ page.

 

HOTEL SAFETY STATEMENT
“As we welcome you back to our hotels around the world, we are committed to providing you with a safe environment that aligns with expert protocols for working to defeat COVID-19. Consisting of in-house and outside experts in food and water safety, hygiene and infection prevention, and hotel operations, our Marriott Cleanliness Council is redefining our cleaning and safety standards. We will actively monitor and evolve our solutions to ensure a continued focus on the health and safety of our guests and associates. To review all current hotel protocols, visit: https://clean.marriott.com/

 

HOTEL GUEST CONTACT
The Marriott will be using signage in its lobbies to remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols and will remove or re-arrange furniture to allow more space for distancing. The company is planning to add partitions at front desks to provide an extra level of precaution for its guests and associates and is working with supply chain partners to make masks and gloves available to associates. You’ll see more hand sanitizing stations around Marriott’s hotels – near the entrances and front desks, elevator banks and fitness and meeting spaces.

 

HOTEL FOOD SAFETY PRACTICES
At Marriott, food handlers and supervisors are trained on safe food preparation and service practices. The company’s food and beverage operations are required to conduct self-inspection using its food safety standards as guidelines, and compliance is validated by independent audits. Marriott is also enhancing sanitation guidelines and training videos for associates that include hygiene and disinfecting practices. In addition, the company is modifying its operational practices for in-room dining and designing new approaches to buffets.

 

INTERNATIONAL ATTENDEES
International attendees should always check current travel restrictions to the US on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website before planning your travel to make sure you will be able to enter the US. If you are in need of rapid COVID testing before traveling back to your country, or for other reasons on-site, a map of nearby COVID-19 testing sites can be found here.

 

VIRTUAL MEETING OPTION
To provide our attendees with choices and flexibility, CRWAD has developed a ‘hybrid’ meeting format, providing on-demand and in-person attendance options. We understand that not everyone can travel therefore CRWAD developed a way to allow speakers to participate, even if unable to attend in person. By organizing the pre-recording of sessions, all on-demand and in-person attendees will be able to view every presentation even if not in person.

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