AMP Staff are working closely with the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau to design a safe and positive experience for all attendees, which includes spreading people out as best we can. Of course, the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to be fully vaccinated. We will adhere to CDC and Philadelphia laws and guidance regarding indoor gatherings. Currently, Philadelphia strongly recommends that everyone wear a mask while indoors in places where you do not know that everyone is vaccinated. Please note that this could change and masking could be required. Check this page for updated information.
COVID-19 Safety FAQs
*This page will be updated as more details become available.
Important Information:
PROOF OF VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19 OR NEGATIVE TEST RESULT
Is AMP requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test result for this meeting?
EVERYONE (attendees, exhibitors, A/V technicians, etc) will be required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative result of a test dated within 3 days of arrival at the meeting.
What types of tests are acceptable?
The test must be a viral test. According to CDC, “A viral test checks specimens from your nose or your mouth to find out if you are currently infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Viral tests can be performed in a laboratory, at a testing site, or at home or anywhere else. Two types of viral tests are used: nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and antigen tests.” Antibody tests do not detect whether you are currently infected and therefore are not acceptable for this purpose.
Do people who have previously had COVID-19 have to meet this requirement?
Yes. Even if you presumably have “natural immunity” you must provide proof of either vaccination or a negative test result dated within 3 days of arrival at the meeting.
If I cannot be vaccinated due to a health condition or other valid exemption, what requirement(s) must I satisfy?
You must provide proof of a negative test result dated within 3 days of arrival at the meeting.
Can I get a COVID-19 test in Philadelphia?
Yes. The City of Philadelphia provides information regarding the location of testing sites. Some are in walking distance of the Convention Center and meeting hotels.
What if I do not wish to reveal my vaccination status?
You must provide proof of either vaccination or a negative test result dated within 3 days of arrival at the meeting. You will be issued a wrist band that will enable your entrance to the meeting. The wrist band does not distinguish between vaccination or a negative test result.
CONVENTION CENTER, MASK, AND SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS
Is there a mask mandate at the meeting?
Yes, unless actively eating or drinking (just carrying a water bottle doesn’t count). AMP considers N95, KN95, medical masks, and tightly woven cloth masks with filters inside to be acceptable masks. Masks must cover both the wearer’s mouth and nose and fit snugly to their face. There are a number of resources regarding masks, including this one in JAMA. Appropriate masks will be available onsite.
What safety enhancements has the Pennsylvania Convention Center adopted?
The Philadelphia Convention Center (PACC) is demonstrating its commitment to the safety and well-being of its employees and guests by making significant investments in facility upgrades and safety protocols. Over the past year, the facility has earned a Global BioRisk Advisory Council Star accreditation and Venue Shield certification. In addition:
SAFETY MEASURES IN PHILADELPHIA, HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, ETC.
What safety measures can I expect in Philadelphia?
In addition to the vaccination / negative test result requirement, the Philadelphia Convention Center requires all employees to be vaccinated, including food service and local labor. The City of Philadelphia has an extensive mask mandate. You should assume that masks must be worn inside all Philadelphia businesses and institutions, including restaurants and common areas of hotels, and come prepared to comply. Businesses will post signage to guide customers.
Will I be required to show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants in Philadelphia?
You should bring your vaccination card with you because city-wide requirements could change and businesses may have their own requirements. In addition, you should assume that masks must be worn inside all Philadelphia businesses and institutions, including restaurants and common areas of hotels, and come prepared to comply. Businesses will post signage to guide customers.
What safety enhancements are being made by partnering hotels?
You should assume that masks must be worn inside all Philadelphia businesses and institutions, including restaurants and common areas of hotels, and come prepared to comply. Businesses will post signage to guide customers.
All our designated hotel partners are implementing enhanced rigorous cleanliness protocols. Click on the following links to learn more about the specific global programs these popular hotel chains have introduced to ensure guests enjoy a cleaner stay:
IF YOU EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 WHILE IN PHILADELPHIA
What should I do if I experience symptoms of COVID-19 while in Philadelphia?
If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, you may not enter the Philadelphia Convention Center, or AMP Annual Meeting & Expo meeting space at the hotels. Follow the direction of your physician and/or The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding testing and quarantine. The City of Philadelphia provides information regarding the location of testing sites. Some are in walking distance of the Convention Center and meeting hotels.
OTHER INFORMATION
What else is AMP doing to plan an Annual Meeting & Expo that is as safe as possible?
In addition to the vaccination / negative test result requirement, attendees may pick up stickers at the Registration Desk to put on their name badge to indicate the level of comfort they have with interaction.
Green: I’m vaccinated and welcome handshakes
Yellow: No handshakes please but I welcome an elbow bump
Red: No contact and please give me some space
Even though AMP and Philadelphia are going to great lengths to plan for a safe meeting, there is always a risk of exposure to COVID-19. Those who register for the meeting will agree to AMP’s “COVID Waiver and Commitment” and AMP will not assume liability for your harm, injury, or damage of any nature, including costs for COVID-19 testing, quarantine, isolation, etc.
Will a discounted registration fee be available for attendees who do not want to attend any dining events?
No. AMP has a food & beverage minimum to keep the convention center rental fee (and therefore registration fee) lower. AMP will still offer dining events, though they will be altered for enhanced safety protocols that the Philadelphia Convention Center have in place. In addition, we believe it is neither practical nor attendee-friendly to “police” receptions and lunches to admit and turn away attendees based on meal/no meal registration categories.
Will the sessions be recorded if I am unable to attend in person?
Yes. For those of you who are not able to travel to Philadelphia, registration for recorded sessions (including CME/CMLE/CE) will open in late December.