We are pleased to announce that the 2022 NWA Annual Education and Training Conference and Exhibits will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, May 22 - 26, 2022. The venue will be the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, located on historic Canal Street in the French Quarter. The Vieux Center also known as the French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in the city founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. The French Quarter is the center of French Creole culture in the United States, and is filled with buildings that date back to the late 18th century. New Orleans is world famous for its architecture, restaurants, and landmarks and it's festive events like the annual Mardi Gras celebration.
This year's Conference we will be back in-person and will offer an excellent opportunity to acquire new skills and to network with an estimated 1,000 of your peers, and colleagues along with exhibitors who provide WIC related products and services for your participants. The conference will also offer an opportunity for attendees to hear from USDA officials and to dialogue on relevant updates and challenges that the program faces. The 2022 conference theme is: NWA Celebration: Reuniting, Reflecting and Reimagining!
For the rest of the conference, you will have the opportunity to choose from 30 general and concurrent sessions that is sure to expand your professional skills and knowledgebase to equip you to face coming WIC challenges and to take advantage of current and future WIC opportunities.
* Please note, all attendees will be required to upload their vaccination card in advance before being allowed into 2022 NWA Annual Conference. Please make sure you include your cell phone number during the registration process. You will not be allowed to enter the Conference with just a Negative COVID-19 Test. All attendees must be vaccinated. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection. As we get closer to the Date of the Conference, other COVID-19 Protocols may be added and enforced.
To register for the Conference, please visit our Registration page.
For questions, please contact the NWA National Office at ConfSupport@nwica.org
On behalf of Sara Olson, the Acting Director of Supplemental Food Programs Division, NWA has sent a letter to all state agency WIC directors supporting the 2022 Annual Education and Training Conference. This letter confirms that WIC Program funds may be used to fund registration fees for this conference.
| Registration Type |
Early Bird Rates - ENDS March 18 |
Regular Rates - BEGINS March 19 |
|---|---|---|
|
Pre-Conf. Member |
$50.00 | $75.00 |
|
Pre-Conf. Non-Member |
$75.00 |
$100.00 |
|
Member |
$400.00 |
$500.00 |
|
Non-Member |
$500.00 |
$600.00 |
|
Student* |
$175.00 |
$175.00 |
|
Speaker (includes Poster Presenters) |
$200.00 |
$200.00 |
|
FNS Staff |
$300.00 | $300.00 |
|
WIC Louisiana Special Host Rate** |
$175.00 | $175.00 |
Registration payment must be recieved at our offices no later than Sunday, May 15, 2022.
**The WIC Louisiana Special Host Rate is ONLY for individuals that reside in Louisiana and are WIC State, Local and Clinical Employees. This rate is NOT eligible for a Group Discount.
* Please note, all attendees will be required to upload their vaccination card in advance before being allowed into 2022 NWA Annual Conference. Please make sure you include your cell phone number during the registration process. You will not be allowed to enter the Conference with just a Negative COVID-19 Test. All attendees must be vaccinated. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection. As we get closer to the Date of the Conference, other COVID-19 Protocols may be added and enforced.
| Group Member Increments |
Early Bird Rates - ENDS March 18 |
Regular Rates - BEGINS March 19 |
|---|---|---|
|
10-20 Group Members |
$375.00 |
$475.00 |
|
21-40 Group Members |
$350.00 |
$450.00 |
|
41+ Group Members |
$325.00 |
$425.00 |
*In order to receive the Group Rate, please enter "BULK" in the Promo Code Box and the system will automatically apply the discount.
*All Groups MUST be registered in ONE Group in order to recieve the discount
Registration payment must be recieved at our offices no later than Sunday, May 15, 2022.
* Please note, all attendees will be required to upload their vaccination card in advance before being allowed into 2022 NWA Annual Conference. Please make sure you include your cell phone number during the registration process. You will not be allowed to enter the Conference with just a Negative COVID-19 Test. All attendees must be vaccinated. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection. As we get closer to the Date of the Conference, other COVID-19 Protocols may be added and enforced.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
To cancel your registration, a written request MUST be received by NWA via email to ConfSupport@nwica.org no later than the close of business on April 30, 2022.
Cancellations received before or on February 28, 2022, will receive a 100% refund, cancelations received between March 1, 2022 - April 30, 2022, will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be granted on or after 12:00 AM ET on May 1, 2022.
* Please note, all attendees will be required to upload their vaccination card in advance before being allowed into 2022 NWA Annual Conference. Please make sure you include your cell phone number during the registration process. You will not be allowed to enter the Conference with just a Negative COVID-19 Test. All attendees must be vaccinated. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection. As we get closer to the Date of the Conference, other COVID-19 Protocols may be added and enforced.
Online registrations are processed via our web-based system. Each registrant must have or create a profile (account) in order to register online. See instructions on creating a profile and logging in.
Please Make Sure Your Email Address and Phone/Cell Number Is Correct Before Registering!
Registrants using a Purchase Order (PO) or check, must select the "Bill Me Later" option from the online registration system when registering. Credit card payments will be processed via our secured Stripe site. The system will automatically email a registration confirmation to the email provided. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact the Registration Department at (202) 232-5492 or ConfSupport@nwica.org.
Please note that Registrants who have paid with Purchase Orders will not be allowed access to the Conference until the purchase order is received by the Registration Manager, with a copy of the registration invoice.
Registration payment must be received at our offices no later than Sunday, May 15, 2022.
Make Checks Payable to the National WIC Association
Mail Payments to:
National WIC Association
Attn: 2022 Annual Conference Registration
2001 S Street, NW Ste. 580
Washington, DC 20009
NWA’s federal tax ID is 8399-0160210-001
Registration payment must be received at our offices no later than Sunday, May 15, 2022
* Please note, all attendees will be required to upload their vaccination card in advance before being allowed into 2022 NWA Annual Conference. Please make sure you include your cell phone number during the registration process. You will not be allowed to enter the Conference with just a Negative COVID-19 Test. All attendees must be vaccinated. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection. As we get closer to the Date of the Conference, other COVID-19 Protocols may be added and enforced.
We must receive your credit card payment, check payment in full, or completed PO with invoice reference by Sunday May 15, 2022. If we have not received payment in full by the above date, you will not be able to access the NWA 2022 Conference.
Make Checks Payable to the National WIC Association
Mail Payments to:
National WIC Association
Attn: 2022 Virtual Annual Conference Registration
2001 S Street, NW Ste. 580
Washington, DC 20009
To cancel your registration, a written request MUST be received by NWA via email to ConfSupport@nwica.org or fax to (202) 387-5281 no later than the close of business on May 1, 2022.
If you DO NOT CANCEL YOU WILL STILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT!
NWA regrets that refunds will not be granted for "no-shows."
Cancellations received before or on April 1, 2022 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be granted on or after 12:00 AM ET on May 1, 2022. NWA regrets that refunds will not be granted for no-shows.
For questions regarding payment methods, please contact the Registration Manager at (202) 232-5492 or ConfSupport@nwica.org for more information.
* Please note, all attendees will be required to upload their vaccination card in advance before being allowed into 2022 NWA Annual Conference. Please make sure you include your cell phone number during the registration process. You will not be allowed to enter the Conference with just a Negative COVID-19 Test. All attendees must be vaccinated. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection. As we get closer to the Date of the Conference, other COVID-19 Protocols may be added and enforced.
You may print invoices, receipts, event confirmations, and view other personalized NWA information and activities by logging into your My NWICA account.
To log in:
For additional information on accessing your NWICA Account or creating an Account. Click HERE
Contact the Registration Department with any questions at (202) 232-5492 or ConfSupport@nwica.org
* Please note, all attendees will be required to upload their vaccination card in advance before being allowed into 2022 NWA Annual Conference. Please make sure you include your cell phone number during the registration process. You will not be allowed to enter the Conference with just a Negative COVID-19 Test. All attendees must be vaccinated. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection. As we get closer to the Date of the Conference, other COVID-19 Protocols may be added and enforced.
Volunteers are needed each year to help make the NWA 2022 Annual Education and Training Conference and Exhibits a success. NWA is using SignUp.com to manage the volunteer shifts and assignments for the annual conference. We are looking for individuals to serve as: bag stuffers; room monitors; moderators; registration assistants; attendee engagement/social media outreach; and note-takers.
Become a Volunteer in 3 easy steps:
Volunteering is a great way to give back and network while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the conference.
The link will close on May 19, 2021. If you have any quesiton, please reach out to cchampion@nwica.org
We look forward to seeing you in New Orleans!
THE CALL FOR ABSTRACTS PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED - THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUBMISSIONS
The National WIC Association invites members and partners to submit presentation and poster proposals for the 2022 Annual Education and Training Conference & Exhibits being held next year in New Orleans, LA, May 22-26, 2022.
The 2022 conference theme is: NWA Celebration: Reuniting, Reflecting and Reimagining!
To submit an abstract, click on this link. You will be asked to set-up a profile. After setting up your profile, you will then be given a ‘To-Do’ list – to submit your abstract, click on ‘Submit a Paper’ and follow the directions. For more information on how to submit an abstract see this guide.
In the true spirit of this conference, below are the suggested educational tracks for oral and poster submissions:
The conference tracks may align with your content but is not required. All topics within a track’s purview are welcome. If your project does not fall within one of these topic areas, don’t worry -- please submit an abstract anyway!
NWA staff are always happy to provide feedback on your idea for an abstract; we’re here to help! For more information, contact Chandra Champion (NWA’s Director of Education and Events) at cchampion@nwica.org.
All abstracts are due by Monday, February 28, 2022 Sunday, March 13, 2022 and will be reviewed by the Conference Planning Committee.
The NWA Annual Conference is an excellent opportunity to expand your professional skills and knowledgebase to equip you to face coming WIC challenges and to take advantage of current and future WIC opportunities.
On behalf of the 2022 Conference Planning Committee, we look forward to receiving your abstract submission. Thank you in advance for your commitment to the excellence of next year’s meeting.
Proposal Guidelines
Authors will be prompted to provide the following information into the submission platform.
Sections:
A maximum of three presenters may be listed on each proposal. The submitting author will receive an email message confirming the receipt of the abstract proposal submission and are responsible for keeping co-authors up to date on the status of the submission. By submitting an abstract to be considered for an oral or poster presentation, you acknowledge that all presenting authors are responsible for their own registration, travel, and hotel costs.
Concurrent sessions are 60 minutes long.
Poster Presentations will be during Breakfasts, Breaks, and Networking Opportunities.
Deadlines
Please, remember the following important dates:
Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this process or the conference in general, please contact our Conference Support Team at confsupport@nwica.org or 202-232-5492.
By submitting an abstract to be considered for an oral or poster presentation, you acknowledge that all presenting authors are responsible for their own registration, travel, and hotel costs.
* Please note, all attendees will be required to upload their vaccination card in advance before being allowed into 2022 NWA Annual Conference. Please make sure you include your cell phone number during the registration process. You will not be allowed to enter the Conference with just a Negative COVID-19 Test. All attendees must be vaccinated. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection. As we get closer to the Date of the Conference, other COVID-19 Protocols may be added and enforced.
We invite you to participate as an exhibitor at our 2022 Annual Education and Networking Conference and Exhibits.
It is an opportunity for you to meet and build relationships with potential new clients and more – acquaint yourself with existing clients who use your products and services. Among the over 500 WIC community members who are expected to attend this conference are key decision makers representing the US Department of Agriculture, the 90 state and ITO WIC agencies, and over 2,200 local WIC agencies from across the nation.
Why Exhibit?
If you are seeking to introduce your products and services or an alternative promotional strategy to a new or existing audience, this conference offers several affordable options to meet your marketing needs.
By exhibiting and/or sponsoring at this conference, you will:
Platinum, Gold & Bronze Sponsors have first choice to all available exhibitor spaces.
Key Dates to Remember:
Note: If full payment is not received by April 22, 2022, NWA has the right to resell or reassign the exhibit booth to another exhibitor.
Exhibit Dates/Hours:
Monday, May 23, 2022
10:00 am - 4:00 pm --- Exhibitor Move-in and Set-up
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm --- Exhibit Show Opens with Opening Reception
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
7:30 am - 8:30 am --- Breakfast / Networking & Exhibits
10:30 am - 11:30 am --- AM Break / Networking & Exhibits
12:30 pm - 12:00 pm ----- Lunch on your own / Networking & Exhibits
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm --- PM Break / Networking & Exhibits
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
7:30 am - 8:30 am --- Breakfast / Networking & Exhibits
10:30 am - 11:30 am --- AM Break / Networking & Exhibits
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm ----- Lunch on your own / Networking & Exhibits
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm --- Exhibitor Teardown / Move out
Exhibit Pricing:
Each 8’ x 10’ booth (80 sq ft) will receive two (2) complimentary Full Exhibitor (includes conference session access) personnel registrations that allow access to the NWA Exhibit Hall and to Education sessions.
Each Booth includes:
• One 6' skirted table • Two side chairs
• One wastebasket • General area security and fire guard
• Listing in the conference mobile app • Two side chairs
• Daily aisle maintenance • Daily aisle maintenance
• Your very own unique QR code to capture leads
• Electrical, internet, telephone and additional equipment are not included and are available at an additional cost.
| Non-Profit Booth Type | Booth Price |
|---|---|
|
Non-Profit Sustaining Partner Booth |
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Non-Profit Booth |
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| Business Council Partner Booth Type | Booth Price |
|---|---|
|
Business Council Partner Standard Booth |
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Business Council Partner Bronze Booth |
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Business Council Partner Gold Booth |
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Business Council Partner Platinum Booth |
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| For Profit Booth Type | Booth Price |
|---|---|
|
For Profit Booth Standard Booth |
|
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For Profit Bronze Booth |
|
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For Profit Gold Booth |
|
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For Profit Platiunum |
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| For Sustaining Partner Booth Type | Booth Price |
|---|---|
|
Sustaining Partner Standard Booth |
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Sustaining Partner Bronze Booth |
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Sustaining Partner Gold Booth |
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Sustaining Partner Platinum Booth |
|
The room block at the New Orlean Sheraton is CLOSED. If you're in need of lodging, please check the following properties:
Please make sure you ask about the Govt. Per Diem rate ($158.00) if you when you reach out to the properties.
The 2022 NWA Annual Education and Training Conference & Exhibits will be held May 22-26, 2022, at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
To make your hotel reservations online, please use the following link:https://book.passkey.com/e/50276437
You can also make your hotel reservations by calling 888-627-7033 and identifying yourself as a 2022 NWA Annual Conference attendee to receive the negotiated conference rate.
NWA has negotiated a special room rate of $158.00 per night plus a nightly room tax currently set at 14.45%, plus a $3.00 per room night occupancy tax and a 1.75% tourism support assessment fee. Note that these tax rates are subject to change without notice.
The cut-off date for these rates is Monday, May 2nd, 2022 Thursday, May 5th at 5:00 pm. After this date, reservations will be subject to the hotel’s prevailing rates.
We encourage you to make your room reservations early to ensure that you will be in the host hotel at the guaranteed room rate. Upon checking in, each guest will be asked to provide a valid government issued ID along with proof to which the room reservation was made.
The hotel requires a major credit card to guarantee your room reservation, and first night's deposit (including taxes) payable at the time the reservation is being made. Room cancellations must be received at least 72 hours prior to your arrival date to avoid being charged the first night's room rate and applicable taxes.
Hotel Check-In/Out Policy
Hotel check-in is 4:00pm and check-out is 11:00am. The hotel can arrange to have your bags stored depending on room availability. Late check-out may be requested upon arrival.
The hotel offers on-site valet parking for all registered guests at a daily rate of $48.00. Self parking is also available for $35.00 per day. Note, rates may change without notice.
The Sheraton New Orleans is accessible via Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intenational Airport and is about 12 miles from the airport.
Shuttle and taxi cab services are available at the airport. The current estimated taxi/cab fare is $36 (one way). Please note that the hotel does not provide shuttle service.
* Please note, all attendees will be required to upload their vaccination card in advance before being allowed into 2022 NWA Annual Conference. Please make sure you include your cell phone number during the registration process. You will not be allowed to enter the Conference with just a Negative COVID-19 Test. All attendees must be vaccinated. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection. As we get closer to the Date of the Conference, other COVID-19 Protocols may be added and enforced.
Extracurricular Activities
Check out these activities every evening:
Sit & Sip - Monday, May 23, 6:30 pm-9:00 pm CT, Location: The Carousel Bar & Lounge
Come sit a spell and drink in the culture of New Orleans. Join us for a beverage and some fun as we round out day 1 of this year’s conference! For more information and location, click HERE.
NWA’s Night In - Tuesday, May 24, 6:30 pm-9:00 pm CT, Location: Rodrigue Gallery (In the hotel on the main floor)
Join your fellow conference-goers for a few games, snacks, and camaraderie! Let loose with cards, monopoly, and many others, or chill out with refreshing conversation.
WIC on the Mighty Mississippi (Dinner Cruise), Wednesday, May 25, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm CT.
Join NWA as we cruise the night away. Experience the city like never before on a relaxing, moonlit cruise down the mighty Mississippi. Let the sounds of jazz fill the air as you enjoy a delicious Creole dinner and sip on a cocktail on the promenade deck while soaking in incredible views. The price is $52 without dinner, $89 with dinner. Learn more here.
Here are some additional places and things to do in New Orleans:
1.) Carriage Rides (Explore the City) - https://www.neworleanscarriages.com/contact
2.) National WWII Museum - https://www.nationalww2museum.org/about-us/contact-us
3.) Walking Tours - https://www.neworleanslegendarywalkingtours.com/
4.) Audubon (Zoo, Aquarium & Insectarium) - https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/directory
5.) Villalobos Pit Bull Rescue - https://www.vrcpitbull.com/
6.) Nola Capoeira - http://nolacapoeira.com/
Share your excitement about the upcoming conference with your networks using our social media toolkits:
All participants (attendees, speakers, exhibitors, staff) are required to provide their proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend the 2022 National WIC Association's Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA. Our priority is to create a safe environment for all that are in attendance. Additionally, face coverings are mandatory in all meeting spaces and common areas. All participants must have their badge on at all times. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection. As we get closer to the Date of the Conference, other COVID-19 Protocols may be added or enforced.
For the purposes of right of entry to the Conference, a person is considered fully vaccinated:
Please note, all attendees will be required to upload their vaccination card in advance before being allowed into 2022 NWA Annual Conference. Please make sure you include your cell phone number during the registration process. Instructions for providing your proof of vaccination will be emailed to all participants prior to the conference and will require submission through a 3rd party vaccination management provider by May 19, 2022. You will not be allowed to enter the Conference with just a Negative COVID-19 Test. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection. As we get closer to the Date of the Conference, other COVID-19 Protocols may be added or enforced.
Proof of Vaccination Requirements:
If a participant does not submit their vaccine card by May 19, 2022, they will not be permitted to be in attendance at the 2022 NWA Annual Conference in New Orleans. Registration will not be refunded to attendees that do not provide proof of vaccination.
NWA may update these requirements at any time at its sole discretion.
COVID-19 Protocols and Vaccination Card Upload
All attendees will be required to upload proof of COVID-19 vaccination in advance of the conference. Face masks are required unless actively eating/drinking. All attendees must have their updated cell phone number in their NWA account. Log into your account here to update your information.
In case you did not receive a text message last week with a link to upload your vaccination card, please aim your cell phone camera at the QR code on the right. A phone number will appear in a yellow box. Please click the yellow box and follow the instructions as prompted. For additional information on NWA COVID Policies, click here.
The precautions that the NWA has put in place for a safe conference experience do not rule out the risk of breakthrough infections, visit the CDC website for more information.
If you have any additional questions contact us at confsupport@nwica.org.
Privacy Policy
Your data privacy and security are important to us. When you register for this event, NWA will process your data in accordance with our legitimate interests for hosting an industry event and for being a community-based organization. Please review our privacy policy, including how to exercise your rights under the GDPR.
Liability Waiver
I understand that travel and gathering involves risk of sickness, including sickness from COVID-19. I (and on behalf of my guest(s)) waive and release NWA and its sponsors and exhibitors, and their employees and agents, from and against claims, liabilities and expenses arising from injury, sickness or death from contraction or spread of COVID-19 or other communicable disease due to travel to or attendance at an event sponsored by NWA.
I will take necessary precautions while at the event including, but not limited to, engaging in appropriate social distancing, wearing a mask in public areas when not consuming food or beverage, minimizing face touching, frequently washing hands and avoiding risky environments such as overcrowded bars or restaurants. I agree to not attend any NWA event if I feel ill or had recent exposure to a COVID-19 case.
This waiver and release is binding on me and my heirs and successors.
Code of Conduct
NWA is a listening organization focused on its participants. Destination Showcase is designed to increase interaction, engagement, collaboration, connectivity and community, in a fun and safe environment.
We value the participation of each member of the community and endeavor to deliver an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Conference participants are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, courtesy and respect for others and maintain the highest level of professionalism at all conference programs and events, whether officially sponsored by NWA or not. All attendees, guests, speakers, organizers, volunteers, partners, vendors and staff at any NWA event are required to observe the following Code of Conduct.
NWA is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for the conference.
Be kind to others. Do not insult or defame participants. Harassment in any form, sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not condoned at NWA Events.
Participants violating these rules may be asked to leave the conference at the sole discretion of NWA. Thank for helping to make this a welcoming event for all.
Media Disclaimer
NWA intend to take photographs and video of this event for use in NWA news and promotional material, in print, electronic and other media, including the NWA websites. By participating in this event, I grant NWA the right to use any image, photograph, voice or likeness, without limitation, in its promotional materials and publicity efforts without compensation. All media becomes the property of NWA. Media may be displayed, distributed or used by NWA for any purpose.
* Please note, all attendees will be required to upload their vaccination card in advance before being allowed into 2022 NWA Annual Conference. Please make sure you include your cell phone number during the registration process. You will not be allowed to enter the Conference with just a Negative COVID-19 Test. All attendees must be vaccinated. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection. As we get closer to the Date of the Conference, other COVID-19 Protocols may be added or enforced.