WASHINGTON, DC — Beginning with the ASAE Awards Ceremony on September 30, all attendees at ASAE meetings and events will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to entry. The association is exploring a technology solution that will allow members to submit proof of vaccination during online registration.
A statement from the association said: “The first priority in all meetings and events decisions is the safety and well-being of our attendees, exhibitors, partners and teams,” and that the decision was made to allow in-person events to proceed with reduced risk to attendees. Religious and medical exemptions will be permitted.
“This policy is based on guidance and recommendations issued by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health authorities,” the statement said. “COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA for emergency use authorization and vaccines that the FDA has fully approved have been deemed essential to reduce the community prevalence of COVID-19.”
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ASAE will also require registrants to submit a Personal Responsibility Acknowledgement Form and comply with any state or local mask requirements in effect for indoor events.
The initial response to ASAE’s proof of vaccination policy has been positive. “We’ve even heard from other association leaders that they’re considering using our language as a model for their own policies,” said Chris Vest, CAE, vice president, corporate communications and public relations at ASAE. “I think overall, the association community supports adopting any protocol that helps ensure a safer and more successful in-person meeting or conference. Vaccination policies are gaining traction because they’re a way to reduce risk for attendees, exhibitors, and event organizers so they can feel safe and still have the face-to-face experience we’ve all been missing over the last 18 months or so.”
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ASAE is a membership organization of more than 48,000 association leaders and industry partners representing 7,400 organizations. Its annual meeting is scheduled for August 6-9 in Nashville.
Contact Chris Vest at (202) 626-2798 or cvest@asaecenter.org