Health & Safety Protocols
These are our revised Conference health and safety protocols. Review the current COVID-19 guidelines from our lead venue, the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, and current practices for health and safety from our partner venue, the Marriott Tacoma Downtown, which are subject to change at any time.
Universal Masking Policy
To center those most vulnerable in our community, the Bridge Conference has a universal masking policy. Everyone is required to wear a mask inside our two venues except while actively eating or drinking. Presenters may choose to be unmasked while presenting. Masks will be provided for those who do not bring their own.
Please note that our venues are publicly accessible spaces, so although the Plenary and workshops should be Conference attendees only and venue staff only, members of the public, hotel guests, etc. may be using the same hallways, restrooms, etc. and not subject to Bridge Conference policies.
Socially Distanced Options While Eating or Drinking
To provide opportunities for attendees to socially distance while eating or drinking, we will do the following:
- We ask those joining us for breakfast to arrive between 8 and 8:30 a.m. to eat before sessions begin at 9 a.m.
- The Ballroom will be set to accommodate its maximum capacity, to offer greater space between individuals who prefer to sit further apart.
- On each day, we will have at least 30 minutes dedicated to Lunch, with no programming.
- While the GTCC Ballroom will be the main location for meals, four additional meeting rooms (each with seating capacity of 80 people) on the 3rd floor of the GTCC are available for attendees to take their meals and sit with greater distance between themselves and others while eating.
- We will provide Box Lunches for easy pick-up and movement through the facility.
Proactive Precautions
We strongly encourage attendees to proactively take precautions, including mask-wearing prior to and after the Conference, being up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, administration of a rapid COVID test in the 24 hours prior to attending the Conference to confirm that you are COVID-negative, and frequent handwashing and hand sanitizing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viral illnesses.
No person in any Conference role should attend or stay in attendance if they are currently experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19, as identified by the CDC. Although refunds are not available after September 30, we strongly encourage anyone in this situation to consider transferring their registration to another individual, such as a colleague, who can attend.
Venue Health and Safety Protocols
Our Conference venues have enhanced cleaning practices in place, including increased frequency of cleaning and disinfection with high focus on high traffic and high touch areas such as restrooms, elevators, handrails and public seating. Hand sanitizer will be provided throughout the facility.