Updated 19 October
The well-being of our attendees is HBA’s #1 priority. Here’s what we’re doing to protect your health and give you peace of mind so you can focus on collaborating and connecting with other attendees at the 2022 HBA Annual Conference.
While COVID-19 will remain with us for the foreseeable future, we are now better positioned to live with the virus. Vaccines, treatments aimed at preventing severe illness in people at higher risk, and testing are now widely available. We will be guided by data, science, and recommendations from public health officials on decisions we make moving forward.
Masking
In addition to adhering to Marriott’s Connect with Confidence protocols, we are asking that attendees wear masks, covering both nose and mouth, except when eating or drinking. Acceptable masks include disposable surgical masks; valve-free respirator masks (N95 or KN95); gaiters with two layers; and cloth masks with “tightly woven fabric” and/or filter inserts, or a clear plastic window.
Proof of Vaccination/Negative COVID-19 Test
In addition, we require one of two options for attendees to gain entrance to the 2022 HBA Annual Conference at the Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia.
Option A – Provide Proof of Up-to-Date Vaccination
The CDC’s definition of “up-to-date” is a person who has received the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and any applicable booster shots. In the US, the primary series is defined as two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, two doses of Moderna, two doses of Novavax, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen. For other WHO-approved vaccines the primary series is defined as two doses of AstraZenca/Oxford, Sinopharm, Sinovac, COVAXIN, Covovax, and Nuvaxovid, or one single dose of CanSino.
All verification of vaccinations will be conducted onsite, and proof of vaccination must come directly from the healthcare provider that performed the vaccination. Attendees may display proof on a smartphone or present a physical copy, along with a photo ID. Once approved, you will be given a wrist band to wear the duration of the event.
Option B – Provide Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test
Provide proof of negative test result from an approved testing site taken within 48 hours of the event. The test results must clearly show the date and time of the test. Results from COVID-19 PCR tests and/or COVID-19 rapid antigen tests will be accepted. Self-administered or at-home test results will not be accepted. Once approved, you will be given a wrist band to wear the duration of the event.
Social Distancing
As individuals, we understand that everyone has a right to choose for themselves, without judgement, when and how they interact with others. We ask that all attendees respect the right of others to choose an elbow bump over a hug, to have a conversation while standing six feet apart, or to take their meals to-go instead of eating in the general meal function space. We want everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy being back together in Philadelphia, and these are just a few ways to do that.
Feeling under the weather?
If you are feeling ill prior to your arrival at the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown Hotel or prior to heading down to the meeting space, please stay home or stay in your hotel room. If you think you may have COVID-19 or related symptoms while on-site at the conference and would like to be tested, please check this site for nearby testing locations.
We will continue to closely monitor the evolving circumstances and public health guidance and will alter or amend this arrangement as the situation develops.
We thank you for doing your part to keep everyone safe and healthy. We look forward to seeing you in-person at the 2022 HBA Annual Conference!