PowderMet2021, AMPM2021, and Tungsten2021 are moving to a Hybrid Conference!
We know travel plans are uncertain right now, but we are moving forward with our campaign for professionally rewarding conferences. PowderMet2021, AMPM2021, and Tungsten2021 in Orlando are pivoting to hybrid conferences to ensure that all speakers are provided the opportunity to present their work and delegates can advance their knowledge, regardless of travel restrictions that could have made participating impossible. In addition to live presentations, all recorded presentations will be available on demand. Registrants will no longer need to try and be in two places at once!
The health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, speakers, guests, and staff are the top priority of the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF). We are continuing to monitor the status of the COVID-19 pandemic very closely. We are in communications with other meeting/event industry professionals, as well as keeping a close pulse on what the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and local authorities are reporting and recommending for safely bringing groups together for in-person conferences.
As an organization, MPIF staff is working closely with the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, in Orlando, to ensure that all safety and health measures are in-place to keep our attendees healthy throughout the duration of the conference.
Here are some of the measures that we are implementing:
- Mask Requirements – In accordance with the on-site protocols of the WDW Swan and Dolphin resort, effective 6/15/2021, face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated guests indoors and outdoors. Therefore, any PowderMet2021 activity will also be mask optional for fully vaccinated guests. While we are not requiring proof of vaccination, we expect Guests/Attendees who are not fully vaccinated to continue to wear face coverings in all indoor locations and transportation. Masks are still required for all guests on Disney transportation, including buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner.
- Current social distancing measures will be in place and adhered to by all attendees, exhibitors and staff.
- Self-monitor for symptoms daily. If experiencing any symptom (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), attendee agrees they will not participate in any MPIF activity or event.
- Red, yellow and green sticker system will be in place that will allow each delegate to indicate their comfort level when interacting with other attendees.
- If attendee suspects they have contracted COVID-19 or experiences emergency symptoms (trouble breathing; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion; inability to wake or stay awake; bluish lips or face), please remain in your hotel room, contact the front desk, and contact MPIF’s emergency contact, Diane Haggerty, CMP, at 609-250-7849.
- We are adopting a “No-Handshake Policy” to reduce the spread of germs.
- Each delegate will receive a mini bottle of hand sanitizer in their registration envelope. Hand sanitizing stations will be set-up throughout the hotel and the event space. Each meeting room will have a bottle of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes at the entrance to the space.
- We are eliminating the Conference Guide and the Conference bags this year, to reduce the number of touchpoints. There will be plenty of signage around the meeting space as well as the Mobile Conference App.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be set-up throughout the hotel and the event space.
- MPIF staff and the hotel personnel will increase cleaning and disinfecting practices across all high-volume touchpoints (catering areas, podiums, microphones, registration desk, handrails, entrance/exit doors, among others).
- Remember the regular practice of handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds will help prevent the spread of germs.
- Attendees that are not adhering to the above measures, will be asked to leave the premises and no refunds will be provided.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort also has their own set of standards outlined. To view the extra steps the hotel is taking, please visit “Our Commitment to Clean.”
If at any time you show any symptoms of illness, please contact MPIF’s emergency contact, Diane Haggerty, CMP, at 609-250-7849.
Additional protocols the hotel is implementing:
- Facial covers or masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests.
- Mobile check-in is available.
- QR code is on your TV screen when you go in to your room so you can use your mobile device to scan it and use your device as the remote control.
- There is a small pack of disinfecting wipes in your room so that you can wipe down any high-touch surfaces throughout your room.
- In-room dining is available for breakfast and dinner service. There is also the option for mobile ordering from the restaurants on-property. You order the food through your mobile devise and then pick up directly from the restaurant.
- All restaurants have removed the physical menus and now there is a QR code on the table that you scan with your mobile device.
- Housekeeping will not enter your room during your stay (only clean occupied rooms every 5 days, unless you leave the Do Not Disturb on your door). If you need any items, you can request them and they will be left outside your room so there is no contact.