SC21 Is Planning for an In-Person Event & Remote Participation
The SC21 committee is dedicated to providing the community with the best possible conference experience for all participants. SC21 continues to plan to meet in person November 14–19, 2021 in St. Louis, MO. For those who may be unable to travel to St. Louis, please review the Remote Participation FAQ and the SC21 Registration page for the most up to date information.
We are working to produce an event that will be every bit as creative, inspiring, and meaningful as past SC conferences—whether you choose to attend in-person or remotely. We appreciate your support, and look forward to seeing you in November.
On-Site Safety Protocols
The health and safety of the SC21 family—participants and volunteers alike—remains a top priority. With a focus on coming together safely this November, we will be implementing the safety protocols below for all in-person attendees.
Proof of Vaccination
SC21 will require all in-person attendees, exhibitors, volunteers, and SC21 staff to be fully vaccinated. You are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the last dose in your vaccine series. In order to pick up your registration badge, you must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination from one of the FDA or World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccines.
Non-U.S.-Based Attendees: You are required to present an original, copy, or electronic photo of the proof of vaccination issued by your local government jurisdiction.
U.S.-Based Attendees: SC21 will use CLEAR to administer proof of vaccination for U.S.-based attendees. CLEAR’s free mobile app and Digital Vaccine Card feature provides a simple and secure way for this information to be shared.
Download App
Create Digital Vaccine Card
Scroll down to the blue Digital Vaccine Card (shown above) and follow the prompts. Show the digital card at registration when you pick up your badge.
Do Not Create a Health Pass
SC21 will NOT be listed under “Conferences” in the Health Pass found at the top of the CLEAR home screen, and there is not a code to enter.
Additional Protocols
Face Coverings: St. Louis requires those ages 5 and older to wear masks in indoor public spaces and on public transportation.
Social Distancing: Space planning in all meeting rooms will include social distancing.
SC21 may enforce additional requirements, particularly to align with CDC guidelines for masking and social distancing at the time of the meeting.
Hygiene: Masks and hand sanitizer stations will be readily available in the America’s Center.
Cleaning: The America’s Center is a Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s (GBAC) STAR Facility Accreditation for their commitment to ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy environment for our employees, customers and stakeholders. The accreditation means America’s Center has:
- Established and maintained a cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious agents like the novel coronavirus.
- The proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices in place to combat biohazards and infectious disease.
- Highly informed cleaning professionals who are trained for outbreak and infectious disease preparation and response.
Before You Travel
We will continue to closely monitor specific travel advisories through official channels, which include the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as safety guidelines at the local and state levels.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC
Before traveling to the conference, we recommend that you stay informed of any information your local health agencies may make available and take reasonable precautions to protect yourself. SC21 continues to closely monitor this dynamic situation and will provide updates with any developments and reserves the right to make changes as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will SC21 honor any vaccine exemptions for medical or religious reasons or consider a negative COVID test in lieu of proof of vaccination?
SC21 is requiring vaccine verification to participate in SC in-person and will not provide any exemptions or accept a negative COVID test in lieu of proof of vaccination. Those who are unable to provide proof of vaccination are encouraged to participate remotely.
Will the staff supporting the SC21 conference also be required to provide proof of vaccination?
SC21 requires full vaccination of all attendees, exhibitors, volunteers, and SC21 staff participating in person.
Which vaccinations will be accepted?
In order to pick up your registration badge, you must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination from one of the FDA or World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccines.
What is the process to provide proof of vaccination?
SC21 will use CLEAR to administer proof of vaccination for U.S.-based attendees. CLEAR’s free mobile app and Health Pass feature provides a simple and secure way for this information to be shared. For non-U.S.-based attendees, you are required to present an original, copy, or electronic photo of the CDC vaccination card or similar documentation issued by your local government jurisdiction.
Do I have to pay to have my vaccination status validated?
There will be no cost associated with the vaccine verification process.
Will there be a mask requirement at SC21?
At this time, the city of St. Louis requires those ages 5 and older to wear masks in indoor public spaces and on public transportation. SC21 will continue to monitor requirements set by local government as well as guidelines from the CDC. A decision on mask requirements will be made closer to the start of SC.
How will SC support social distancing at the conference?
All meeting rooms will include options for social distancing. All SC21 participants, including exhibitors, are asked to follow rules and local guidance with respect to social distancing.
What are the entry requirements for all special events, including the Keynote and the receptions?
Entry requirements will apply across all SC21-hosted events. This includes proof of vaccination and any mask requirements at the time of the conference.
What other measures is SC21 taking to ensure a safe conference?
Up until and through SC21, this page will contain the most up to date information on the safety protocols being followed for the conference. We will continue to look at ways to enhance our health and safety measures as needed.
Last updated October 2, 2021.