COVID-19 Statement

We are excited to hold the 2021 SmartPack US Conference at The Swissotel Chicago from November 1-2, 2021!

While the 2021 conference presents us with the opportunity to get back to business, we recognize that this year will be a little different. We must start with an acknowledgement that the situation remains fluid and subject to change as circumstances, such as governmental recommendations, vaccination rate, and other factors, dictate. Attendee safety is our top priority. The Swissotel Chicago has been following procedures and protocols developed in consideration of guidance and information shared by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local government requirements and guidance.

Please Stop and Read this Message:

Attendance at the 2021 SmartPack US conference is subject to compliance with state and local, Smithers, and event venue policies, procedures, and safety recommendations. Including, but not limited to, wearing a mask, physical distancing, and retreating immediately if feeling unwell or showing symptoms.

Smithers will require all attendees to confirm that you are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 and have not recently been exposed to anyone who tested positive. If you do have symptoms or have been exposed, you are not permitted to attend and registration will be refunded, or you can opt to attend the livestreamed virtual sessions. Please ensure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to the United States and for travel to Chicago.

To encourage a safe and successful conference, below are some of the COVID-19 protocols that you can expect to see on site:

• U.S. locations with state or local mask requirements - no policy change. In conference and meeting locations where the state or local jurisdiction does have a mask mandate, we will follow the state or local regulations and continue to require attendees to wear a face mask or face shield. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.
• Physical distancing practices will be implemented according to city and state guidelines. Onsite signage will include reminders for physical distancing throughout the meeting space, highlighting rules around health and safety practices. Meeting room seating will be set up with social distancing considerations, and presenters will maintain a distance of 6 feet from the audience.
• All equipment shared between presenters will be sanitized between uses.
• All conference meeting rooms will be deep cleaned overnight and then sanitized again between uses.
• Frequent hand washing and sanitizing will be encouraged.
• High-touch areas will be regularly cleaned and sanitized throughout the conference space
• Exhibit booth will be structured for social distancing and surfaces will be regularly cleaned

Advisory Limit of Liability

Please be advised that a risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any event or public space, including conference. Prior to purchasing a ticket for and attending the 2021 SmartPack US Conference, please ensure you have read the latest CDC Guidelines for Prevention.

By attending the 2021 SmartPack US Conference, you acknowledge this inherent risk and, as a condition of entering the 2021 SmartPack US Conference, you acknowledge, understand, and confirm each of the following in accordance with applicable health guidelines:

• That you will abide by all SmartPack US conference health-and-safety requirements;
• That you are not currently experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, as identified at CDC.gov. Including, but not limited to:
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• That prior to attending the 2021 SmartPack US conference you have not been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine; and
• That you are not under any self-quarantine orders

Please do not enter the SmartPack US conference or The Swissotel Chicago if you cannot confirm all of the above criteria. If at any point during your time at the SmartPack US conference you do not meet all of the above criteria, you will be required to isolate and may be relocated or asked to leave at the sole discretion of conference and venue management.

Additional Resources

Additional resources discussing health and safety protocols:

• Chicago Mask Guidance for General Public
• Swissotel COVID-19 Precautions
• CDC General Guidelines
• CDC Travel Guidelines
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• US Travel Association Industry Guidance
• Self-Check for Coronavirus Symptoms
• Uber
• Lyft

Additional resources from the CDC:

• Prevention and Treatment
• What to Do If You Are Sick
• Groups at Higher Risk
• FAQs: Pregnant People and COVID-19
• FAQs: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and Children
• Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
• Considerations for Restaurants and Bars
• Considerations for Animal Activities at Fairs, Shows, and Other Events

FAQ's

What safety measures are taken at the hotel?

The Swissotel Chicago follows strong cleaning/sanitizing protocols, requires you wear a mask in public areas, and offers touch-free controls in guest rooms.

View the venue COVID-19 statement: Swissotel COVID-19 Precautions

What safety measures are enforced at the city?

Please read here for the most current Chicago guidelines.

Will I need to wear a mask? Will I need to wear a mask if I'm vaccinated?

Chicago currently has a mask mandate in effect. In conference and meeting locations where the state or local jurisdiction does have a mask mandate, we will follow the state or local regulations and continue to require attendees to wear a face mask or face shield. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.

What safety measures are taken for food served at the event?

Individually plated food will be provided. Attendees may remove their masks while actively eating and drinking, with appropriate social distancing in effect.

If I’m traveling from outside of the United States, is a negative COVID-19 test required?

Yes, at this time all air passengers traveling to the US, regardless of vaccination or antibody status, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery. We will continue to update these FAQs as more information about international travel becomes available, however, please monitor the US Department of State website and the CDC website for official guidance.

How can I participate in the convention if I can’t travel?

Register to attend the 2021 SmartPack US conference virtually! We've made it possible for you to participate in the live event from anywhere. The conference will be live streamed on the online platform, so you can submit your questions in real-time! Plus, come back later to view recordings of presentations you missed. Connect with attendees and take advantage of networking opportunities on the innovative platform.

What if I feel unwell while I’m at the conference?

Please do not come to the conference meeting space if you develop symptoms associated with COVID-19, which include fever, cough, shortness of breath, among others. If you begin experiencing symptoms at any time, alert the conference organizers immediately and self-quarantine. You can e-mail the conference coordinators at knewsome@smithers.com. Your conference registration will allow you to attend livestream sessions online, so you can participate virtually. If you develop symptoms while at the conference, the nearest medical facility is Michigan Avenue Immediate Care – 180 Michigan Ave. Ste. 1605, Chicago, IL 60601.

Will Organizers test all attendees and staff for COVID-19 before they can enter an event?

CDC does not recommend testing all attendees and staff before allowing them to enter. Testing all event attendees and staff for COVID-19 before allowing them to enter the venue has not been systematically studied. It is unknown if entry testing at event venues provides any additional reduction in person-to-person transmission of the virus beyond what would be expected with other preventive measures (such as social distancing, wearing cloth face coverings, hand washing, enhanced cleaning and disinfection).

CDC does recommend conducting health checks such as temperature screening and/or symptom checking of staff and attendees safely and respectfully, and in accordance with any applicable privacy laws and regulations.

Contact Us

If you have any additional questions related to event attendance or on-site event protocol, please contact:

Keith Newsome, Manager of Event Operations

Email: knewsome@smithers.com
Phone: +1 (330) 762-7441