Scientific Conference

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We want to share our extensive discussions around and plans for the 2022 AAWP Scientific Conference, which is being held in person from April 28 – May 1, 2022. We share the concerns expressed by colleagues and health care community at-large about in-person meetings in light of the increasing COVID-19 numbers and the Omicron variant.

We continue to monitor the situation thoughtfully, considering balancing the safety of our attendees and their families as well as the financial implications and the desire to re-establish this important educational, networking, and fellowship opportunity. We have learned a lot over the last 2 years about how to safely deal with COVID and hold safe gatherings. There have been numerous successful, large academic meetings with no reported outbreaks of COVID-19. We continue to review CDC guidance and confer with meeting professionals in the podiatric community.

What we are doing to minimize COVID risks and keep you safe:

Vaccination:

• All registrants, exhibitors, and guests attending the 2022 AAWP Scientific Conference are required to be fully vaccinated. Attendees will be required to present their ID and proof of vaccination upon arrival at the conference. Proof can be in the form of the vaccination card, or a clear photo of the card on a phone or other mobile device. NOTE: Barcoded or QR coded proofs are only acceptable if the name and date(s) of vaccination are also clearly visible.
• Proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test or Rapid Antigen test within a pre-determined amount of time prior to check-in at the conference may be accepted in certain circumstances if an individual is unable to be vaccinated. Please contact the Conference Chair (Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry) for details if you wish to request the exercise this option.
• “Fully vaccinated” is defined as:  Two weeks after completing the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or two weeks after completing the first dose of a one-dose vaccine. Boosters are recommended for eligible individuals.
• To maximize the health and safety of all, attendees and exhibitors are strongly encouraged to take a COVID test prior to their departure to ensure a negative result, regardless of vaccination status.
• AAWP will have a limited amount of Rapid Antigen tests for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms while at the meeting venue. We highly recommend that you obtain and bring with you a supply of Rapid Antigen tests for the meeting. 

On-Site in Meetings:

• We highly recommend N95 or KN95 surgical masks during the meeting. A cloth mask over one of the above masks is also acceptable as an additional layer. Proper mask usage entails a well-fitting mask placed over both the nose and mouth.
• All attendees and exhibitor participating in presentations, panels, and sessions during the conference are required to always keep their masks on during and while moving between conference activities, regardless of their vaccination status. This includes the on-site transportation as needed.
• NO food or drink should be consumed in meeting spaces; unless it is a specifically designated event/time with food and beverage (ie, during breaks or luncheon lecture). Attendees are strongly encouraged to then remove their masks only briefly as necessary for food and drink and then resume wearing, regardless of vaccination status. When possible, select events with food/beverage will be held outside.
• Seating will be reduced in the lecture room to assure safer distancing. Attendees are encouraged to leave space between seats in the meeting rooms.
• Sanitization stations will be placed throughout the meeting venues.
• Masks are also encouraged to wear when traversing about the resort property as well.
• We will be working with the hotel on the possibility of also streaming the event to hotel rooms. More details to follow regarding this possibility.

We can’t wait to see your smiling eyes and masked faces in Amelia Island as we gather safely to share the latest academics and support women in podiatric medicine and surgery!!

Stay safe and Healthy,

The Executive Board of AAWP