Welcoming You Back Safely

As Food Safety Summit leads the way in bringing together the industry back together again in-person in 2022, the health and safety of on-site event participants remains a top priority for the Food Safety Summit and BNP Media. In addition to following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) prevention guidelines as well as all current federal, state and local directives, we are continuing to develop and implement up-to-date protocols for a safe and successful in-person event this May.

We are committed to keeping all of our exhibitors, attendees, staff and vendors up to date with the latest developments to ensure a coordinated effort and a safe experience for all.  As guidelines and restrictions change and evolve, Food Safety Summit will adapt plans accordingly and provide regular updates to event participants as necessary.  

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Updates on Onsite Safety Standards
General Building Prevention Strategies
Show Management Protocols
Best Practices and Readiness for Exhibitors
Health & Safety Acknowledgement
 

as of 2/28/22

Update on Onsite Safety Standards

As of February 28, 2022 the state of Illinois has lifted the statewide indoor mask requirement.  Masks requirements will continue where federally mandated, such as on public transit. While masks are no longer required at the Convention Center, we encourage exhibitors, speakers, media and attendees to bring their face masks with them to the event and continue to wear them as you feel comfortable, and will have ample supply on site for those who arrive without.

Please check back here for the latest Health & Safety protocols as you plan your trip to Food Safety Summit this fall.

 

General Building Prevention Strategies

Currently the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center follows and practices the prevention strategies set forth by the CDC and adheres to the recommendations outlined in the U.S. EPA's emerging Pathogen Policy regarding cleaning disinfectants. The Convention Center is taking the following actions to increase sanitization and safety:
  • Increasing the frequency of sanitation and disinfectant practices, particularly in high traffic and high touch areas, including handrails, washrooms, doors and doorknobs.
  • Positioning hand sanitizer stations in key high-traffic areas throughout its facility to prevent the spread of the virus.
  • Increasing the strength of the disinfecting solution used.
  • Increasing training and personnel to identify and prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
  • The Rosemont Public Safety Department, Paramedics/EMT, Event Staff and Security personnel have been educated and trained in identifying and recognizing the signs, symptoms and prevention of COVID-19.
  • Remaining in close contact with local and federal authorities/agencies for the latest updates and recommendations.

Show Management Protocols - What to Expect On-Site

Food Safety Summit  will implement and enforce all protocols established by local and federal government agencies. As part of our commitment to support a safe experience, everyone in attendance, including attendees, exhibitors, vendors and staff, are expected to comply with the following health and safety requirements:

  • Face coverings – Per the recent mandate from the state of Illinois, masks are no longer required at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center, but are still encouraged.  Disposable masks will be available for those that need them in the registration area.
  • Increased sanitization and hygiene – Food Safety Summit and BNP Media works closely with the venue and contractors to implement sanitization standards. We ask that event participants use hand sanitizer when provided to protect yourself and others around you.  It is the responsibility of everyone to maintain personal hygiene, including washing hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
  • Physical distancing – We ask that, to the best of your ability, you maintain a safe 6-foot distance from each other to ensure the well-being of others.  Avoid handshakes and hugs when greeting others. 
  • Healthy You - We ask that you come to the event symptom free of illness and stay away from the convention center if you feel sick, have a temperature or generally don't feel well. 
  • Session seating - meeting rooms where educational sessions will take place will be set up to allow as much safe physical distance as is possible.

Best Practices and Readiness for Exhibitors

Food Safety Summit  will communicate regularly with exhibitors regarding guidelines and best practices based on the latest regulations, capacity limitations and industry standards. Some current industry best practices are included in the list below:

  • Layout & Design - open booth designs to limit groups congregating in one area or creating unintentional restricted areas are encouraged
  • Physical Distancing - maximize physical distance between exhibitor staff and visitors as best possible. When a distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained, consider incorporating dividers (i.e., Plexiglas barriers) as an added measure of protection
  • Throughput – control the scale, size and timing of meetings or gatherings within your space to avoid creating crowds
  • Reduce Contact - consider touchless (electronic and digital) alternatives to engagement, collateral material and giveaways
  • Increased Cleaning - clean machines and high-touch surfaces multiple times throughout the day as well as providing hand sanitizer for booth staff
  • Promotional Materials – ensure promotional materials are individually packaged
  • Signage - incorporate signage promoting health and safety best practices

Health & Safety Acknowledgement

Please ensure you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions in place for travel to the United States and to Illinois. Visit the Illinois Department of Public Health for more information.

Exposure to COVID-19 exists in any event or public space, including Food Safety Summit. Before purchasing a ticket for and attending Food Safety Summit, ensure you have read the latest CDC Guidelines for Prevention. By attending Food Safety Summit, you acknowledge this inherent risk and, as a condition of Food Safety Summit, you acknowledge, understand and confirm each of the following in accordance with applicable health guidelines:

  • You will abide by all of Food Safety Summit health-and-safety protocols
  • You are not currently experiencing any of the following symptoms of COVID-19, as identified at CDC.gov, including, but not limited to:
    • 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
  • Before attending Food Safety Summit you have not been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine; and
  • You are not under any self-quarantine orders

Please do not enter Food Safety Summit or the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center if you cannot confirm all of the above criteria. If at any point during your time at Food Safety Summit you do not meet all of the above criteria, you will be required to isolate and may be relocated or asked to leave at the sole discretion of event management.

Please note: The guidelines in this document are based on information currently available regarding the behavior and characteristics of the COVID-19 virus, public health information and local or state guidelines with respect to large gatherings in any particular community. As more clarity concerning these variables emerge, these guidelines may be adjusted accordingly.