AAIM is continually monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on our ability to provide a safe experience for attendees of the 2022 APM Winter Meeting. In particular, the Alliance is actively tracking the emerging news and science around the new Omicron variant. AAIM will continue to monitor the situation and will adjust the health and safety protocols as necessary.
To ensure the safety of all attendees, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required for registrants attending the 2022 APM Winter Meeting in Tucson, AZ. AAIM has partnered with Sharemy.Health to manage the verification process. Specific instructions on completing the vaccine verification will be provided in the coming weeks. Attendees should be aware that, while AAIM will make every effort to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission on site, it is possible that attendees will come in contact with people in airports, hotels, and around the city who could potentially carry the virus. Please read below to stay informed on the latest updates.
Do I need to be vaccinated to attend the 2022 APM Winter Meeting?
Yes. The safety of meeting attendees is the Alliance’s top priority, and we believe the most effective way to ensure the safety of all attendees is for them to be vaccinated against COVID-19. As such, AAIM will require all participants to be up-to-date on their vaccines as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccine verification will now include a requirement for a booster shot (if eligible) for all in-person (e.g. , registrants, speakers, guests, exhibit booth representatives and sponsors, etc.) meeting attendees. Full details on vaccination status definitions can be found online at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.
How will AAIM verify my vaccination status?
Prior to arriving on site, attendees will be asked to provide proof that they are up-to-date with vaccination approved by the WHO or FDA. AAIM has contacted with Sharemy.Health to manage the verification process. Detailed instructions will be provided closer to the meeting.
Will everyone at the meeting be fully vaccinated?
In addition to all attendees, all AAIM staff working at the meeting will be up-to-date on their vaccinations; however, AAIM is not legally able to require local hotel staff to be vaccinated. AAIM is working with the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa to develop on-site protocols in accordance with the CDC guidelines, including requiring all hotel staff to wear masks.
Do I need to test before arriving at the 2022 APM Winter Meeting?
At this time, the Alliance is not requiring attendees of the winter meeting to take a COVID-19 test before arriving in Tucson, AZ. Instead, attendees are encouraged to take a test prior to the meeting, especially if they are experiencing any of the potential symptoms of COVID-19.
Will masks be required during the meeting?
The wearing of protective masks is required of all attendees and AAIM staff, regardless of whether or not it is required by law or local ordinance at the time of the meeting. Masks must be worn properly (covering both mouth and nose) at all times except when actively eating, drinking, or presenting. Based on the most recent CDC guidance, attendees are encouraged to wear an N95, KN95, or disposable masks for the best protection. A complimentary KN95 masks will be provided to each participant at registration.
Will I have to do anything different during registration in regard to health and safety?
As a condition of registration, all registrants are required to acknowledge they have read and will comply with the 2022 APM Winter Meeting Health and Safety Waiver.
What sanitation efforts will be enforced?
Even though the science now shows that COVID-19 transmission is unlikely to occur from touching surfaces touched by multiple persons (i.e., podiums, etc.), staff will clean these regularly to promote healthy sanitation overall. Hand sanitizer will also be available in multiple locations throughout the meeting space.
What do the different color lanyards mean?
Through a color-coding system for the badge lanyards, attendees will be able to signal their preference for contact (e.g., hugs and handshakes, elbows only, please keep your distance). All conference participants (e.g., attendees, speakers, sponsors/exhibitors, staff, and others) are asked to respect the contact preference of other attendees.
What if I don’t feel well while I’m at the meeting?
If you don’t feel well during the meeting, please stay in your hotel room and do not enter the meeting space. If you take a COVID-19 exam and return a positive result, please email meetings@im.org so that the proper notifications can be made. Your name will be kept confidential. More information on local testing options will be provided closer to the meeting.