AAPA to Conduct COVID Screening Prior to Convention

The AAPA Annual Convention and Expo is drawing near and we are eager to come together again in person, hear from industry experts, review the latest trends and business solutions, and network with fellow port industry professionals.

As you are making your travel plans to attend the AAPA Annual Convention and Expo, we want to assure you that AAPA’s first and primary goal is to ensure the health and safety of our members and attendees. AAPA is prepared to deliver this program safely and have been continually monitoring all CDC, state and local COVID protocols.

In particular, AAPA will be conducting a vaccine and/or negative COVID test verification. The screening of attendees will be conducted by using the following process:

  • Attendees receive a text message asking for proof of vaccination or negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Austin

  • They send a response text message, or can scan a QR code that opens a text message

  • Upload proof of vaccination or negative test verification

  • Our event partners will validate all uploads

  • Once validated, the attendee will receive a text message with a green check mark, confirming they are clear to attend convention

In addition, AAPA will be handing out wristbands at the convention registration desk that are green, yellow or red, depending on an attendee’s comfort level in engaging with other delegates. For example, if an attendee is at high risk for COVID or uncomfortable being in close contact with others, they could choose to wear a red wristband to give people a heads up that they should not shake hands or come into close contact with one another. We will also be adding safety measures, such as hand sanitizing stations and giving away masks.

The JW Marriott, known for its strong initial response to the COVID pandemic, is also making your health and safety their number one priority. Hotel management has instructed hotel staff that masks are required at all times. The hotel is also taking extraordinary measures to strengthen their cleaning and disinfecting protocols in line with their parent company, Marriott International. They released an update regarding their cleanliness policy: the Commitment to Cleanliness, available for your review prior to traveling to Austin.

Our staff is available to answer any questions or provide additional information. Feel free to contact Renita Gross, AAPA’s Senior Manager of Events and Database Services, by phone 703-706-4701 or email [email protected].

If you haven’t registered for the AAPA Annual Convention and Expo, head over to our Annual Convention website to register today. You won’t want to miss the leading ports industry event of the year — we’ll See You in Austin!