FSAE Annual Conference Update: Safety Plans

Last week we sent out a survey to our executive and associate members to gauge where members are in regards to your own conferences as well as your comfort level on attending any conferences or meetings, including the FSAE Annual Conference this July. We had 350 participate and we want to thank everyone who gave us feedback!

What we learned from the survey is that members are pretty comfortable (29%), not sure (20%) or nervous about the idea (29%) of attending FSAE20. The biggest concerns are the safety measures that will be in place onsite as well as what happens as the state begins to re-open. Safety is our biggest concern too. We are working closely with the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek staff to ensure social distancing and minimal contact policies are in place, so provided the state is in Phase 3 of re-opening, we will have Annual Conference this July. Register Now

[Just in case you haven’t seen the state’s guidelines, Phase 1 (current) is 10 people or less, work from home as much as possible and no travel; Phase 2 is 50 people gatherings, begin returning to work with screening measures in place and limited travel; Phase 3 is no limit on gatherings or travel and everyone not vulnerable should be back at work, with continued screening.]

We know that Conference will be different this year, due to the virus and budget concerns. We also know that we have a great program and fantastic partners and sponsors that will make this an unforgettable event anyway. The hotel is actively working with Hilton Corporate and Orlando businesses to further develop their room and meeting guidelines with more information coming soon. Here’s what staff, leadership and the hotel have discussed so far:

  • We are planning to have masks available for all attendees
  • We are exploring options for a minimal contact registration area
  • Seating for breakouts and general session rooms will allow for social distancing
  • Receptions will include multiple beverage and food stations to reduce lines
  • All food will be pre-packaged or served cafeteria style for minimal touch; beverages will also be served by an attendant rather than self-service
  • Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the meeting space
  • Hilton CleanStay will be in place ensuring
    • sealed clean rooms for guests
    • extra disinfectant on high-touch areas in guest rooms including lights and door handles
    • hand sanitizer and increased cleaning frequency in high-traffic areas – including throughout the meeting space

Again, we will have more detailed information in the coming weeks that we’ll send out as well as post on our Conference COVID Information page. Our goal is to give you the education and professional development you need in these difficult times, and make that available to you as safely as possible.

We have said before that we’ve extended the early bird pricing throughout the registration period and removed cancellation penalties so that you can register – and attend – risk-free. As difficult as it may be when seeing your FSAE family, we will encourage No Handshakes, No Hugs – But Still Loved at FSAE.
Register Now

We hope to see you this July in Orlando.
Thanks for being a part of FSAE!

Frank

Frank Rudd, CAE, CMP
FSAE President & CEO

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Comments on "FSAE Annual Conference Update: Safety Plans"

Comments 0-5 of 1

Becky Barlow - Wednesday, May 20, 2020
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Hope the conference is a huge success but I was curious how the hotel will handle social distancing in the elevators.

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