Your Safety Is Our #1 Priority

NCTM’S Plans for a Healthy and Productive Event

Updated January 13

Mayor Cantrell has announced a return to an indoor mask mandate effective January 12. This applies to all indoor facilities within New Orleans. For additional information, please refer to this link: https://ready.nola.gov/incident/coronavirus/safe-reopening/

NCTM is committed to holding a successful in-person meeting this February at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in Louisiana. By registering for this event you agree to adhere to all event protocols for health and safety. Lack of adherence to the NCTM event code of conduct policies will result in cancellation of your registration with refund.  

Safe Entry Protocols

  • To ensure the safety of all attendees, NCTM requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative coronavirus test that was taken no more than 72 hours before the event and submitted to NCTM no later than 24 hours before the event.
  •  Detailed information about how to provide COVID-19 vaccine validation or negative PCR test will be provided in advance of the event. 
  • Lack of vaccination validation provided in advance of the event will result in cancellation without a refund.
  • NCTM will not be providing coronavirus testing onsite, but the New Orleans Department of Health provides the following information to assist visitors in obtaining a test if they need one.

Masks

  •  All attendees, vendors and staff must wear a mask at all times over their nose and mouth except when eating, drinking, or presenting. This applies to all attendees regardless of vaccination status.
  • Face coverings will be available for purchase in the exhibit hall.

Venue

The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has achieved 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 bringing to you in New Orleans.

Contactless Payments

As part of our health and safety protocols, NCTM will provide contactless payment options at NCTM registration, the NCTM Bookstore and NCTM Central. Accepted credit card payments will include any US- and most internationally-issued magstripe or chip cards bearing a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Checks may be accepted for exact amount at registration only. All payments are to be made in United States Dollars (USD$). No cash payments. Please check with individual exhibitors and sponsors for their onsite payment policies.

Cleaning  

The Ernest N. Morial Convention 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 Ernest N. Morial Convention 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 Health and Safety - MCCNO.

Food  

  • All Food and Beverage managerial staff are Servsafe certified, ensuring that the regulations provided by the Louisiana Department of Health are strictly adhered to, inclusive of sanitation requirements.
  • Plexiglass partitions will be installed in food and beverage areas to ensure the standard of care for both staff and guests.
  • Individually sealed and packaged disposable utensils and condiments will be provided.
  • Tables and chairs will be spaced to allow for social distancing during meals and disinfected on a regular basis.
  • Coffee stations will be attended.

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.

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 venue.

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.

Hotels

Hotels and enhanced rigorous cleanliness protocols are identified in NCTM's hotel block. 

    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 and so on. 
    • The convention center will increase sanitization of high contact surfaces within the facility between each patron group use of any shared area.

    New Orleans 

    • Effective August 16, 2021, proof of vaccination for all eligible individuals 12 years and older, or a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours, will be required at most indoor venues in Orleans Parish and outdoor events where more than 500 people are in attendance. In addition, Louisiana remains under a statewide mask mandate. 
    • You can learn more about New Orleans' COVID-19 health and safety procedures here: New Orleans COVID Safety Plan  

    Contact Tracing

    The Convention Center continues to work with New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS) during every event. The Medical Offices are equipped with necessary supplies to facilitate hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette (e.g. coughing or sneezing infection prevention) and bio-hazard disposal. Should an attendee present a fever or related symptom, NOEMS will provide the patient with a face covering, the patient will be isolated, have their temperature screened, and will be referred to a healthcare facility or provider for evaluation and testing. Incidents will be reported to the Louisiana Department of Health for follow up.

    Personal Responsibility

    Creating a safe environment is everyone’s responsibility. If you have tested positive or been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of the event, please do not participate in or attend the event. Please view the CDC's Coronavirus Self-Checker to learn more about the COVID-19 virus and potential symptoms of concern. Please email [email protected] if you test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of the event and are unable to attend.