
Conference FAQ
Posted: January 12th, 2022
Last Updated: April 13th, 2022
Please note: conference safety protocol will be updated regularly as we move closer to the event in accordance with Washington State, Whatcom County and CDC Guidelines for Covid-19. The below guidelines may change quickly and will be communicated to all attendees and WSRA membership with each update. Revision dates will be updated at the top of this page.
Conference Attendee Requirements
We are excited to gather in Semiahmoo this May for our first in-person meeting since 2020! Many members have asked what safety precautions we’ll be taking, and particularly whether the meeting will have a vaccination policy.
The safety of all meeting attendees remains our top priority. At this time we will require:
Proof of vaccination or proof of negative rapid or PCR test within 72 hours of event.
To help members meet this requirement, WSRA will enable meeting registrants to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of negative test electronically; it will be sent to all advance meeting registrants prior to the meeting and must be completed. We will notify all meeting registrants when this becomes available.
Covid Safety & Environment: Masks and face coverings are not required but strongly encouraged indoors. All meals on-site have an option to eat indoor or outdoor, with the large group gatherings to be held outdoors on the terrace or in the tent pavilion. All meeting rooms have easy outdoor access that can remain open for proper ventilation of spaces.
In registering for the meeting, participants agreed to comply with any federal, state, or local mask mandates, or other safety mandates, in place for indoor events until further notice.
WSRA will continue to monitor all meeting health and safety guidelines to ensure a safe, healthy, and engaging meeting experience. These restrictions are subject to change as we move closer to event date depending on government restrictions and the state of the pandemic. We look forward to seeing you at Semiahmoo.
Attendee Well-Check Policies
All attendees should perform a self-assessment every day and not attend any conference activities with any symptoms present. This restriction is subject to change as we move closer to the date.
Please do not attend any day of the conference if you have:
- Tested positive for Covid-19, are waiting for Covid-19 test results, have Covid-19 symptoms, or if you have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 or who has symptoms of Covid-19.
Conference Layout & Social Distancing Policies
Semiahmoo is an amazing space that accommodates many activities outdoors comfortably. All meals and networking activities where masks may be removed will be held outdoors. All indoor meetings will be in the large ballrooms with plenty of space for social distancing, and direct access to outdoor air for lots of ventilation.
Comfort lanyards will be provided to indicate your comfort level in respect to your fellow attendees. Choosing a green lanyard indicates high levels of comfort (perhaps a hug!) A yellow lanyard indicates caution and to keep a reasonable distance. A red lanyard asks all participants to give them some distance. All rooms will be setup to accommodate social distancing guidelines while indoors.
Food & Beverage Policies
All meals will take place outdoors. Please see our agenda page including a map of Semiahmoo of the spaces that will be utilized.
Semiahmoo Staff Policies
Semiahmoo Resort requires all staff to be fully vaccinated and fully masked at all times on property.
Meeting Room Sanitation Policies
Semiahmoo Resort will sanitize and turnover meeting rooms after each individual session.
Cancellation Policies
This year we are allowing full refund of conference registration fees up until 30 days before the event (April 14th is the cut-off date).
Will there be a virtual option for 2022?
Unfortunately for 2022 we will not be able to offer a virtual option for this conference due our contractual obligations with Semiahmoo Resort. While it is not financially possible for the organization to offer a virtual option this year, there is currently strong consideration to offer a hybrid conference with both in-person and virtual options for our conference in 2023. We apologize for the inconvenience this year as we still navigate these uncertain times and thank you for your flexibility as we move through this pandemic together.