Safety Measures
We are committed to making this in-person meeting as safe as possible. Here are the ways we are working to make this a safe environment for everyone at AAPA 2021.
What AAPA Is Doing
- We are implementing a safer registration check-in experience, including the following:
- A ramped-up cleaning process for badge kiosks.
- Marked lines to have attendees 6 feet apart.
- Lines will be marked to have attendees 6 feet apart throughout convention center.
- AAPA, hotel, and convention center staff will wear masks.
- Education sessions will be set up to allow 6 feet between chairs.
- Larger aisle ways and one-way aisles will be defined when necessary, including, but not limited to, in the exhibit hall, registration, product theaters, etc.
- Food and beverages will be provided in a no-contact way.
- Hand sanitizer will be available for attendees to use throughout the Convention Center and Headquarter Hotel.
- There will be a contactless way to ask questions without touching microphones during educational sessions.
- AAPA is giving in-person attendees access to the virtual experience and Conference on Demand. If an attendee is not feeling well then, they can still watch from the comfort of their hotel room.
What the Venues Are Doing
The Pennsylvania Convention Center
Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) has gone to great lengths to ensure your safety while maintaining the highest levels of customer service in a hospitable environment. Working closely with state and local officials, the PCC has developed a robust plan that includes comprehensive safety measures, facility enhancements, and health-conscience policies and procedures for the Center’s safety. Additionally, the Center is a part of the larger PHL Health Pledge, a new initiative to increase awareness of the destination’s readiness in safely welcoming visitors as Philadelphia gradually reopens for business. The Health Pledge includes health advisors, resources for venue safety, and continuing education and innovation as Philadelphia and the Center moves forward with unstoppable ingenuity. In addition, the Center is committed to safety through health and hygiene programs.
- On April 29th, ASM Global, the property management organization for the PCC, launched the Venue Shield environmental hygiene program. This new protocol is in response to the evolving guest expectations, stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. To view the press release regarding Venue Shield click here. For complete information on the Venue Shield program, click here.
- The PCC is also pursuing the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation. GBAC STAR facilities are able to demonstrate that correct work practices, procedures and systems are in place to prepare, respond, and recover from outbreaks and pandemic.
- GBAC STAR is the gold standard of prepared facilities. This accreditation means that a facility has:
- Established and maintained a cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious agents like the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
- The proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices in place to combat biohazards and infectious disease.
- Highly informed cleaning professionals who are trained for outbreak and infectious disease preparation and response.
- GBAC STAR is the gold standard of prepared facilities. This accreditation means that a facility has:
Official AAPA Hotels
All official AAPA hotels have created new and improved systems and cleaning protocols in place. You can read about what the hotels are doing by going to their websites. See the list of hotels here.
- Read Hilton’s latest commitment to guests.
- Read Marriott’s commitment to clean.
What Attendees Should Do
- Attendees will be required to wear masks at the conference. If possible, please bring your own mask. There will be extra masks on-site in case an attendee does not have one.
- If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, please stay home and seek medical advice.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Be sure to practice everyday preventive actions.