Health and Safety

HFES is prepared to manage our place-based events with the health, safety, and well-being of our attendees, staff, presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers in mind. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, HFES staff, service providers, and others are expected to abide by our code of conduct and all policies in effect for the meeting.

We will continue to monitor and update safety precautions for all of our meetings and symposia regularly and coordinate with trusted national resources, state and local public health agencies, and the hotels/venues hosting our events.

In all cases, we will continue to assess the risks in the area local of the event and the current status in the United States. We will continually monitor the CDC and the District of Columbia Health Department regarding communicable diseases. HFES reserves the right to update, reverse, or otherwise modify our requirements related to attendance at the meeting.

COVID-19 Vaccination:

In keeping with the Society’s duty of care and responsibility as host, HFES leadership strongly encourages all participants at our meetings and symposia, whether a presenter, attendee, exhibitor, staff member, guest, or vendor to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.   The CDC updated its Vaccines website to indicate the status of "Fully Vaccinated" and "Up to Date".  

"Full vaccination" means that either 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose of FDA or WHO authorized (or emergency use authorized) double-dosed vaccines or single-dose vaccine.  "Up to Date" means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.

We strongly encourage all attendees who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 booster in addition to being fully vaccinated. 

HFES strongly encourages individuals to be tested for COVID prior to traveling to any HFES event. Individuals who test positive should stay home and cancel their registration. 

Masks:

​The District of Columbia has lifted its indoor mask mandate and the CDC has published new guidance on the Use and Care of Masks.  Masks are not mandated in indoor settings, including the Washington Hilton Hotel.  Wearing a mask at the 67th Annual Meeting is a personal choice and those who choose to mask should feel supported and comfortable doing so.  All attendees should be mindful and respectful of other attendees' health choices.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to provide the safest environment for our educational activities.