Health and Safety

Man and woman in suits and masks walking with suitcases.

With layers of safety measures in place, professional meetings and events of all sizes are executed with control and structure. Not only do these measures together mitigate risk of COVID-19 transmission, but the ability to host meetings in-person enables meaningful connections, education, business development and economic prosperity.

THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF TRAVELERS IS THE NO. 1 PRIORITY OF EVERY TRAVEL BUSINESS, INCLUDING THOSE WITHIN THE MEETINGS AND EVENTS INDUSTRY. THROUGHOUT EVERY PART OF YOUR TRAVEL JOURNEY, A COMMON SET OF ENHANCED HEALTH AND CLEANLINESS MEASURES, BACKED BY ACCREDITED PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTS, HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED -- NOT ONLY TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF MEETING ATTENDEES, BUT ALSO TO ENSURE THE ENTIRE TRIP IS AS ENJOYABLE AND PRODUCTIVE AS POSSIBLE.

The science is clear: A professional meeting or event isn't just any large gathering.

Read the White Paper

Professional meetings and events (PMEs) are controlled gatherings, such as conferences, trade shows and conventions, in which access is limited to screened guests. Since PMEs are supervised, they allow for reliable applications of health and safety measures.

PMEs in which safety precautions have been observed have not been super-spreader events, which are more associated with informal mass gatherings that don’t have the ability to mitigate COVID-19 health risks. By contrast, PMEs routinely adhere to the following practices that have a proven track record of reducing COVID-19 transmission risks:

Read the Science Behind the Safety.

Woman at microphone with mask at meeting.

MASK WEARING

Require employees, vendors and attendees to wear masks, particularly among unvaccinated attendees

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

Encourage physical distancing, particularly among unvaccinated attendees, by posting signage to ensure proper separation in lines and common areas

DISINFECTING SURFACES

Sanitize frequently, using products and disinfectants that meet requirements for effectiveness against COVID-19, with special attention to high-touch surfaces
Reinforce hand hygiene which can decrease the risk of transmission of respiratory viruses by ~50%

PROPER VENTILATION AND AIRFLOW

Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible, for example, by opening windows and doors
Evaluate ventilation systems to ensure the OME occupancy does not exceed allowable standards

FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE

Serve individually plated meals or pre-packaged grab-and-go options
Use disposable food service items including utensils and dishes or ensure that all non-disposable food service items are handled with gloves and washed with dish soap and hot water or in a dishwasher
Ensure there are physical barriers between food preparation and guests

SCREENING OPTIONS

PMEs can provide a range of options to ensure attendees and participants can be screened for health risks
Post signage communicating COVID-19 symptoms as well as good health practices
Share guidance from local public health resources in case testing or treatment is needed
Encourage attendees to stay home if they are sick

The above guidance is supported by public health and medical experts, in alignment with health and safety practices put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).