COVID-19 and ION GNSS+

Updated 9/14/2021

The health and safety of our conference attendees and exhibitors is a priority. We understand the considerable effort invested in planning travel to attend events (for 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.

The ION will be following  U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidance in establishing our meeting protocols for fully vaccinated individuals, with accommodations for unvaccinated individuals who may choose to attend:

• The City of St. Louis currently requires masks to be worn by ALL (including vaccinated individuals) in indoor public places. Unvaccinated attendees should wear a mask at all times, including outdoor events. Masks are acceptable for any attendee, for any reason, at any time. Be advised that masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States..
• Social distancing will not be required in session rooms or meal functions. However, ION will ensure adequate seating is available so individual attendees can physically distance according to their comfort levels.
• Consumption of food and beverages will be restricted to designated areas. For the comfort and safety of our exhibitors this year, no food or beverages will be permitted on the exhibit floor.
• A “no-handshake policy” will be in place. Attendees are encouraged to utilize available technologies like the ION conference mobile site, iPhone AirDrop, or other available services to share contact information.
• Hand sanitizing stations will be available outside meeting rooms.
• There will be increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces.
• There will be reduced transfer of physical materials. Exhibitors are asked to reduce/eliminate business card exchanges and utilize the available lead retrieval system for gathering leads electronically.
• We ask that all participants use discretion in attending ION events. If you are feeling ill or exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, please exercise common sense and do not attend the conference that day. When in doubt, get medical attention for an appropriate diagnosis.

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.

What options are available for attendees who may not be able to attend the event due to corporate policies or 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 a change in your sponsoring organization’s travel policy necessitates that you must  cancel after you have registered and paid, regular conference cancellation policies will apply.  

Local Medical Facilities

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.

 

PCR Testing for International Return Flights

Below is a list of locations that offer PCR COVID-19 testing with turnaround under 72 hours: 

CVS Pharmacy
3925 Lindell Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63108
2.1 miles from St. Louis Union Station Hotel
(314) 535-1048

• Non-Rapid Testing Results in 1-2 Days
• Appointment Required
• Schedule Online

Walgreens (Drive-Thru Only)
1400 N Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63106
2.1 miles from St. Louis Union Station Hotel
(314) 534-3853

• Rapid Testing Results in 24 Hours
• Non-Rapid Testing Results in 2 Days
• Schedule Online