AUA2023 Health and Safety Hub - AUA Annual Meeting

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AUA2023 Health and Safety Hub

AUA2023 – Attendee Info

Welcome to the AUA2023 Health and Safety Hub. This page will be updated with information about AUA’S plans for health and safety policies for attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and staff at AUA2023. Please check back frequently for news and additional guidance as we refine our planning.

COVID Safety at AUA2023

AUA is committed to following prevailing public health guidance and industry best practices for large gatherings, including but not limited to following the current United States Centers for Disease Control guidance specific to Cook County, Illinois, and all applicable federal, state and local guidance that may be in place at the time of the Conference.

Additionally, AUA strongly recommends all attendees, exhibitors, speakers and AUA staff comply with travel guidelines issued by the CDC when traveling to Chicago. In addition, we expect all individuals will think carefully about any risk they may pose to others and make informed choices about travel as well as onsite and external engagement.

Exercising Safety as a Visitor to Chicago

As with any large city, visitors should exercise safety when navigating the streets of Chicago. Ensuring the safety of our attendees is a priority for the AUA, and the AUA has invested in enhanced security measures in and around McCormick Place. Additionally, the city’s police department has a strong partnership with Chicago's tourism and hospitality community and maintains a consistent downtown presence to help ensure the safety of Chicago’s visitors. Here are practical safety tips to remember when you are a tourist away from home:

Traveling Smart

  • Be careful about leaving valuables, purses, and IDs in meeting and hotel rooms. Make a copy of your ID so if it were lost, officials could use the information to check databases.
  • Do not carry your passport with you once you arrive at the annual meeting. Make a copy if needed and secure your passport in your hotel room safe. If lost or stolen, obtaining a new one can be difficult, time-consuming, and may even delay your return home.
  • Avoid carrying all your cash with you. If possible, store most of your cash in your hotel room safe. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or other valuable items in public.

Using Street Sense

  • Be observant of your environment. Use well-lit streets and areas that feel safe. Select routes that are the shortest distance between the convention center and your destination.
  • Remove your annual meeting badge. It is a sign that you are from out of town and may make you an easy target.
  • Safety in numbers. Travel in groups and avoid traveling by yourself.
  • Just Say No! Avoid street solicitors. If you feel compelled to give, donate to a charitable organization.

Safety Measures at McCormick Place

  • McCormick Place staffs a central security command center and has expert, 24/7 security staff in all buildings.
  • The Chicago Police Department maintains a beat dedicated to the McCormick Place campus, with patrol vehicles and bike patrol officers.
  • McCormick Place has 1,400 closed-circuit cameras that security staff monitor 24/7 along with a robust emergency communications system.

Additional Resources

At this time, AUA will not require COVID-19 vaccine validation for AUA2023. AUA will continue to monitor evolving public health guidance regarding large gathering settings and the local level of COVID-19 community transmission in Cook County, and will advise AUA2023 attendees and exhibitors of any changes that may be made to our vaccine validation requirements.

In accordance with current prevailing public health guidance from United States Centers for Disease Control, specifically as it relates to transmission rates in Chicago, it is acceptable for most individuals to no longer wear masks in indoor public settings. We encourage high-risk individuals, and those with family or colleagues who are at a higher risk of getting COVID, to consider wearing a high-quality mask recommended by the CDC. We also ask that you respect those around you who choose to wear a mask. Masks will be available upon request at the registration desks and information desks. AUA will continue to monitor evolving public health guidance regarding large gathering settings and the local level of COVID-19 community transmission in Cook County, and will advise AUA2023 attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and staff of any changes that may be made to our mask requirements.

The following protocols will be in place during AUA2023:

  • All primary venues within the AUA2023 campus utilize enhanced air circulation and filtration.
  • The entire campus is GBAC STARTM Accredited.
  • Masks will be available upon request at Registration and in AUA Central.
  • Hand sanitization stations can be found throughout McCormick Place.
  • Although there are no current restrictions regarding capacity limits, socially distanced seating will be provided when possible.
  • Exhibit hall will include wider aisles on the floor.
  • All attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and staff should:
    • Not enter the AUA2023 Campus if they are experiencing any flu-like symptoms;
    • Wash hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds and/or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
    • Avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouths with unwashed hands;
    • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues in the trash;
    • Engage in additional responsible health and safety practices, on and off the AUA2023 Campus
  • Through increased use of technology and onsite planning, AUA aims to minimize prolonged lines. All are encouraged to register online before the conference to minimize close contact with others.
  • AUA will have access to a qualified first aid responder for any immediate medical needs or medically related questions.

AUA recommends all attendees, exhibitors, speakers and staff comply with travel guidelines issued by the CDC when traveling to Chicago, IL. In addition, we expect all individuals will think carefully about any risk they may pose to others and to make informed choices about travel as well as onsite and external engagement.

Testing available upon arrival at, or departure from, Chicago O'Hare International Airport

COVID-19 Testing, including rapid antigen and PCR testing for the COVID-19 virus, is available at O'Hare International Airport through Doctors Test Centers. For details and to book an appointment, visit: https://www.flychicago.com/business/media/coronavirus/Pages/ordtest.aspx

Nearby testing locations to McCormick Place Convention Center

Loop Medical Center
1921 S. Michigan Ave.
(312) 414-1088
Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Clear Wellness
1605 S. Michigan Ave.
(312) 535-5770
Monday-Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

On-Duty Urgent Care
1430 S. Michigan Ave.
(312) 663-3522
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Walgreen’s Drive-Through
501 W. Roosevelt Rd.
(312) 492-8559

AUA will continue to update this website and provide additional communications to attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and staff. If you have additional questions, please contact AUAregistration@AUAnet.org for attendee questions or exhibitors@AUAnet.org for exhibitor questions.