On-site Health and Safety Measures

In effort to provide an engaging and participatory experience while keeping the health & safety of attendees as our priority, masks will be required for everyone during the event unless eating or drinking along with moderate social distancing. Vaccinations are not required but highly encouraged. This policy mirrors the CDC Guidelines. As these guidelines may be updated from time-to-time based on the current pandemic situation, NASWA will communicate any changes to attendees.

While on-site in Austin, TX, NASWA will be implementing the following health and safety measures:

No-Touch Conference Check-In. All attendees must pre-register for the event and will have assigned seating for the SUMMIT general session room. Registration packets & name badges will be available at attendees’ assigned seats.
Special Edition Room Key Cards. At hotel check-in, each conference attendee will receive a new key card branded specifically for the SUMMIT. Provided by Solid State.
Masks & Social Distancing. Masks and moderate social distancing for all attendees and hotel staff are required during the SUMMIT and connected activities. While vaccinations will not be required, they are strongly encouraged for attendees.
Clean Standards. Working with the hotel to ensure the cleanliness of facilities and the health and safety of all attendees is a priority.
CDC Guidelines Followed. During the SUMMIT, NASWA will be complying with CDC health rules and regulations.
Sanitizing Stations. Providing additional hand sanitizer in high-traffic areas.
Personal PPE Kit & Products for Health and Safety. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits will be provided to all attendees in addition to personal water bottles. NASWA encourages the use of the PPE products and personal water bottles during the SUMMIT.
Attendee Personal Screening. During the conference, attendees are asked to daily screen for COVID-19 symptoms each morning before attending the meeting and to discontinue attendance if experiencing symptoms.
Stay Home if Symptomatic. Attendees are asked to stay home if in the days leading up to their travel they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Registration fees will be refunded as necessary.
On-site Health & Safety Expert. A trained Health & Safety Expert will be onsite during the SUMMIT to ensure COVID-19 protocols are followed by all attendees, staff, and vendors.
Participation Agreement. All attendees of the SUMMIT will be asked to complete the Participation Agreement Form prior to attending, agreeing to wear a mask, social distance, participate in contact tracing if necessary and provide a liability waiver against the chance of developing COVID-19.

In addition to the steps NASWA will be taking, below if a list of measures the Austin Hilton has implemented to ensure attendee safety using their EventReady protocols with CleanStay standards:

Hilton CleanStay Standards.
- All guest rooms will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between guests.
- Public areas are cleaned at scheduled intervals, including hourly maintenance of high-touch areas like elevators and bathrooms.
  - Each area is cleaned using approved commercial-grade products followed by additional disinfection using the approved Lysol*, Dettol*, Sagrotan*, or Napisan* products.
Sanitizing Stations. Guests will find disinfecting stations with wipes and hand sanitizer available throughout the property.
Masks Required for Hotel Staff. Hotel staff will be required to wear masks while working the NASWA SUMMIT and around any SUMMIT attendees.
Hotel Dining Health & Safety.
- Changes to the hotel restaurant service include the spacing of tables and chairs to promote proper physical distancing between guests while maintaining increased hygiene standards.
- Biodegradable, disposable dishware and flatware will be available upon request.
- Grab & go, pre-plated and individually portioned options may be offered as alternatives to open breakfast and buffet service.
- Where in-room dining is provided, contactless deliveries may replace rolling cart deliveries.
Contactless arrival. Guests have the option to check in, choose their room and skip the front desk with Digital Key, which provides access to your room key directly from your phone.