Pandemic Safety

Last updated 9/08/21

We are excited to be returning to an in-person conference on October 6 - 9 in Boston, MA. With the rise of COVID-19 cases due to the Delta Variant, we have understandably received some inquiries about the health and safety protocols that will be in place at BOMA 2021.

The health and safety of our attendees is our top priority, and we want to do our part to help prevent the spread of this disease. We are implementing several safety measures to aid in reducing the spread of the virus. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. By attending the 2021 BOMA International Conference & Expo, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. 

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or a Negative COVID-19 Test is Required to Attend

As confirmed by BOMA International's Executive Committee, we will require all attendees and exhibitors to provide either a proof of COVID-19 vaccination OR proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before you arrive at the conference. Registered attendees and exhibitors will receive instructions on how to submit proof of vaccination or test results prior to the event. 

Other Safety Requirements and Policies

• The Mayor of Boston has issued a new public health order requiring face coverings to be warn in all of Boston's indoor public settings, beginning  August 27. No end date was issued, so this order may or may not still be in effect in October.
  • If the Boston mask mandate is lifted before the conference, BOMA will still require unvaccinated attendees to wear a face covering and practice soical distancing while participating in BOMA events, both indoors and outdoors.
  • If the Boston mask mandate is lifted before the conference, fully vaccinated attendees will not be required to wear a face covering at BOMA 2021. The Massachusetts Department of Health strongly advises fully vaccinated individuals to wear a face covering indoors if you have a weakened immune system, or if you are at increased risk for severe disease due to age or underlying health conditions. The CDC has advised that all vaccinated individuals continue to wear a face covering indoors while the Delta Variant is surging.
• BOMA cannot guarantee that other attendees will be vaccinated and cannot guarantee conference participants will not become infected with COVID-19.
• All attendees must comply with posted instructions and safety protocols, including wearing a face mask if required, and respecting social distancing. Instructions and protocols are subject to change.
• If you begin to feel sick when you arrive in Boston, or at anytime during the conference, you must isolate yourself immediately. Stay in your room and contact the hotel operator if you need medical attention. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
• It is state mandated in Massachusetts that all individuals must wear a face covering on public and private transportation systems (taxi, rideshares, livery, ferries, MBTA, commuter rail) and at transportation stations.
• It is federally mandated that all individuals, including those vaccinated, wear a face covering in US airports and onboard airplanes.

On-Site Pandemic Protocols

• A BOMA 2021 badge must be worn to access all conference events. When picking up your badge on-site, you will be asked to select a badge holder color that signifies your personal comfort level to other attendees
  • GREEN badge indicates you are comfortable with high 5's or handshakes and are engaging in frequent hand washing/sanitizing
  • YELLOW badge indicates you are still being cautious and prefer elbows-only contact
  • RED badge indicates you prefer no physical contact and are maintaining 6-feet apart social distancing
• Hand-sanitizing stations will be provided throughout the hotel and convention center
• Sanitation wipes and disposable masks will be available at the BOMA registration desk if you need extra
• Socially distanced seating will be available in most meeting rooms and signage will indicate one-way traffic flows in and out of rooms
• Special traffic patterns between aisles and booths will be implemented in the exhibit hall to keep foot traffic flowing in one direction
• Wherever there are lines, safe queuing measures will be in place and plastic/plexiglass shields will be at all registration counters and service desks
• Safe traffic densities will be monitored and maintained in the exhibit hall, registration area and in all meeting room areas
• All convention center employees and contractors will undergo health checks and wear masks while servicing the BOMA conference
• The hotel and convention center will engage in frequent cleaning of elevators, escalators, lounges and furniture, hallways, restrooms and door handles
• The conference agenda, information, and handouts are accessible through a mobile app to limit the exchange of paper materials
   

We are continuing to monitor the ongoing developments and policy changes concerning pandemic safety. We are working closely with our Boston venues and suppliers to ensure we provide an environment that complies with local, state and CDC guidelines. Instructions and protocols are subject to change and we will continue to update you. 
 

The BOMA Expo—Timelier Than Ever Before!

Companies exhibiting at the BOMA Expo are offering state of the art products, services and solutions to achieve safe and healthy buildings amid the pandemic, including:

• Check-in/Temperature Products & Services
• Deep Cleaning/Disinfecting/Sanitizing Solutions
• HVAC and Ventilation Systems and Accessories
• Lighting/UV Light
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Risk Management
• Access Control and Security Products & Services
• Signage
• Social Distancing Solutions
• Technology/Software
• Tenant Communication Systems
• Touchless Solutions