NCTM’S Plans for a Healthy and Productive Event

Updated August 13 with new information on vaccinations, coronavirus tests, and masks.

NCTM remains committed to holding a successful in-person meeting this fall at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, USA . We are monitoring the Delta variant status closely and have made updates to our entry policies accordingly. This is a dynamic situation and we may update this policy depending on how the situation evolves.

The Georgia World Congress Center was the first convention center in the nation to achieve the Global Biorisk Advisory Council star—recognized as the gold standard for safe venues. These enhanced safety protocols are helping to guide the event experience that NCTM is working to bring you in Atlanta

Safe Entry Protocols

• To ensure the safety of all attendees, NCTM requests that attendees of the 2021 NCTM Annual Meeting & Exposition provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination OR proof of a negative coronavirus test obtained 72 hours prior to your arrival at the meeting. 
• Out of an abundance of caution, all individuals will be required to wear a mask within convention facilities in accordance with applicable city and state mandates, rules, and Executive Orders regarding Covid-19.
• NCTM will not be providing coronavirus testing onsite, but will provide information and resources starting in September to assist attendees in obtaining a test near the convention center if they need one.

Masks

• At this time, all attendees will be required to wear masks within convention facilities in accordance with applicable city and state mandates, rules, and Executive Orders regarding Covid-19.
• All NCTM staff and vendors will wear face coverings at the event in accordance with applicable city and state mandates, rules, and Executive Orders regarding Covid-19.
• Face coverings will be available for purchase in the exhibit hall.

Venue

Cleaning

The Georgia World Congress Center received GBAC Star accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a division of ISSA Inc., the leading association for the cleaning industry. Accreditation is awarded to facilities that follow a high standard of cleaning, disinfection, and disease prevention and that follow proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols and workplace practices.

The Georgia World Congress Center will implement increased cleaning and sanitization in all high touch building areas, including but not limited to the following:

• Restrooms;
• Escalator and stair handrails;
• All entrance revolving door handles, main door handles, and push bars;
• Public furniture;
• High touch points in meeting rooms (door handles, podiums, chairs etc.).

For more information on the convention center’s cleaning process and readiness, visit the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s COVID- 19 Recovery Plan.

Food

• Appropriate informational signage regarding the service process and physical distancing parameters will be implemented at every food and beverage function.
• The Georgia World Congress Center has implemented touchless payment options for food kiosks including credit card and mobile payment solutions.
• Pre-packaged and individualized catering and menu items will be available as much as possible.

Skilled Staff

• All convention center employees have received training regarding coronavirus safety. Individuals performing cleaning and housekeeping duties have received additional training regarding cleaning methods, product use, and other activities.
• Additionally, all convention center employees are required to participate in a daily health and wellness certification that includes checking their temperature prior to reporting to work.
• NCTM staff will be available onsite to assist with concerns regarding safety and requirements

Hand Sanitizer

• Contactless hand sanitizing stations will be present throughout the building for use by all individuals.
• Hand sanitizing products will be available for purchase at convention center food and beverage locations.

On-Site Medical

• First-aid staff will be located at stations in the convention center and will be able to assist attendees or exhibitors as needed.
• An isolation area will be provided for individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 who are unable to immediately leave the Annual Meeting & Exposition.

Exposition Hall

• To accommodate social distancing, NCTM will increase the aisle width in the exposition hall to allow for less congested traffic flow between booths.
• Signage will be put in place to remind attendees and exhibitors of social distancing and hygiene recommendations.
• Hand-sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the exhibit hall.
• The exhibit hall will undergo a nightly deep cleaning.
• Aisle carpets will be removed to allow for better disinfection and cleaning.

Transportation

NCTM Hotel Shuttles

• Shuttle management staff will wear face masks at all times in accordance with applicable city and state mandates, rules, and Executive Orders regarding Covid-19.
• All passengers must also wear face masks at all times, regardless of vaccination status in accordance with applicable city and state mandates, rules, and Executive Orders regarding Covid-19.
• Shuttle management staff will sanitize high touch surface areas on the vehicles and conduct a deep cleaning each evening.

Hotels

Hotels that implemented enhanced rigorous cleanliness protocols were identified for NCTM's hotel block. Learn more about the global programs these popular hotel chains have introduced to ensure guests enjoy a cleaner stay.

Name Badges

• To limit on-site queuing, attendees who register before August 20 will be mailed name badges ahead of arrival.
• Registration staff will be available on site to accommodate later registrants and to facilitate name badge updates.

Social Distancing

• Avoid physical contact, including hugs and handshakes.
• Signage and floor decals will be used to encourage social distancing in common areas.
• Plexiglass separations will be placed at registration stations, concession areas, and so on. 
• The Georgia World Congress Center will increase sanitization of high contact surfaces within the facility between each patron group use of any shared area.

Atlanta

• The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau is actively monitoring developments surrounding the coronavirus; the safety and health of visitors is their top priority. Hospitality partners throughout Atlanta are implementing new and enhanced procedures to safeguard Atlanta guests.
• You can learn more about Atlanta’s COVID-19 health and safety procedures for the airport, transportation, hotels, and restaurants here: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Discover Atlanta

Contact Tracing

NCTM is working directly with the Georgia Department of Public Health on contact tracing policies. We are also working with the Georgia World Congress Center Authority's Department of Public Safety and their in-house medical provider Event Medical, to quickly respond to and isolate those presenting with COVID-19 symptoms. Event Medical will be able to conduct testing of those suspected of having COVID-19, and we will adhere to current CDC protocols for a response to a person under investigation (PUI).