COVID-19 and ION GNSS+

The health and safety of our conference attendees and exhibitors is a priority, and we understand the concerns raised by COVID-19.

We understand the considerable effort invested in planning travel to attend events (both attendees, technical presenters and exhibitors) and the burden placed on those trying to make travel decisions. In addition, we understand that many attendees are required to follow travel policies as established by their organizations.

We will continue to engage health and security authorities on any planned or anticipated COVID-19-related measures that would impact our events. Should this situation necessitate changes in our event schedule, we will communicate with you directly and on this website.

In the meantime, we have adopted measures to minimize any potential impact at Institute of Navigation events.

What measures have been implemented by The ION to address attendee’s COVID-19 concerns?

We strongly urge exhibitors and attendees to implement appropriate guidelines and protocols as suggested by the CDC and other health officials. Up-to-date CDC advice can be found on the CDC website.

ION has instated the following to help ensure attendee safety:

• A “no-handshake policy” at ION events is among the measures being suggested to protect the health of attendees.  Increased availability of hand sanitizing stations
• Increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, including computers and microphones
• Reduced transfer of physical materials at registration
• An environment to promote a ‘touch-free’ exhibition and conference:
  • Reduce/eliminate business card exchanges
  • Exhibitors: Utilize the available lead retrieval system for gathering leads electronically
  • Attendees: We encourage you to utilize available technologies like the ION conference mobile site, iPhone AirDrop, or other available services to share contact information
• Room setups allowing for social distancing

ION GNSS+ Hotels are also taking measures to keep attendees safe and healthy:

• Hilton's CleanStay with Lysol Protection (St. Louis Union Station Hotel)
• Marriott Global Leanliness Council (Courtyard St. Louis Downtown West)
• Drury Hotels: Clean and Safe (Drury Inn St. Louis at Union Station)

What if someone is not feeling well and/or develops flu-like symptoms, but is planning to attend an ION event?

Regardless of any other circumstances, it is still cold and flu season. We would ask that all participants exercise discretion in attending ION events. If you are feeling feverish or otherwise ill, please exercise common sense and do not attend the conference that day. If appropriate, get medical attention for an appropriate diagnosis. As always, cover your coughs and sneezes. Hand sanitizers are helpful, but the CDC recommends thorough washing of hands, and cleaning of surfaces as the best prevention for spread of germs and viruses.

What options are available for attendees who may not be able to attend the event due to corporate policies or U.S. Government imposed travel restrictions/quarantines?

We suggest you wait to register until you have received travel authorization from your sponsor. Once you register, the Institute anticipates your participation and incurs financial liabilities for you. If you find it necessary to cancel after having registered and paid due to a change in your sponsoring organization’s travel policy, regular conference cancellation policies will apply.  

Attendee Health and Safety Guidelines

The health and safety of our conference attendees and exhibitors is a priority, and we understand the concerns raised by COVID-19. 

We understand the considerable effort invested in planning travel to attend events (both attendees, technical presenters and exhibitors) and the burden placed on those trying to make travel decisions..

We will continue to engage health and security authorities on any planned or anticipated COVID-19-related measures that would impact our events. Should this situation necessitate changes in our event schedule, we will communicate with you directly and on this website.

To ensure the well-being of our conference participants, the ION is providing the following guidelines.

General Guidelines

As a general rule, please use common sense when traveling to and attending the event. If you need assistance at any time, please reach out to the ION at 703-366-2723 or registration@ion.org.

Before the Event: Health Considerations when Traveling

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following tips for travelers:

• Don’t travel if you are sick or plan to travel with someone who is sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Keep 6 feet of physical distance from others.
• CDC recommends that everyone wear a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth when in the community setting, including during travel. Most airlines are requiring masks during flight.
• It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Make sure you are up to date with your routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine.
• Obtain prescriptions for your medications and assemble a suitable medical kit

Please visit the CDC’s website for any travel advisories for your destination prior to your trip. 

During the Event: Health Considerations

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Keep 6 feet of physical distance from others.
• CDC recommends that everyone wear a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth when in the community setting, including during travel.
• It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• You may be required to have your temperature checked before entering the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. 
• Carry documentation of medications, allergies, and blood type. Wear your medical alert bracelet if you have one.
• We ask that all participants exercise discretion in attending ION events. If you are feeling feverish or otherwise ill, please exercise common sense and do not attend the conference that day. If appropriate, get medical attention for an appropriate diagnosis.
• We strongly urge exhibitors and attendees to implement appropriate guidelines and protocols as suggested by the CDC and other health officials. Up-to-date CDC advice can be found on the CDC website. 

Local Medical Facilities

Below is a list of the closest hospital and urgent care centers to the conference venue.

Below is a list of the closest hospital and urgent care centers to the conference venue.

Hospitals	SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital   3635 Vista Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 (2.4 mi.)   Phone: 314-577-8000   Barnes Jewish Hospital   1 Barnes Jewish Hospital Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63110 (3.7 mi.)   Phone: 314-747-3000
Urgent   Care   Centers	Concentra Urgent Care   3100 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103 (1.1 mi.)   Phone: (314) 421-2557   Open Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   Total Access Urgent Care    3114 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118 (3.9 mi.)   Phone: (314) 696-2178   Open daily, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Links and Resources:

• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins CSSE