Cutting Edge 2021: Health and Safety Precautions & Procedures

The health & safety of all Cutting Edge attendees is our top priority and UCA is taking precautions to minimize risk.

 

All attendees are expected to comply with current venue, local, county, state, and federal guidelines. The following precautions will help prepare you for the Cutting Edge Conference, please check back often.

This plan will be updated as guidance and recommendations change.

Cutting Edge Conference: COVID-19 Protocol & Procedures

Updated 8/10/2021

Pre-Event Procedures

  • Staff working the event will confirm with SME Human Resources Department that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • Vaccinations are not required of attendees and no proof of such shall be requested unless mandated by local authorities
  • Rooms to be set to accommodate 3 feet of social distancing, regardless of local regulations at the time
  • Attendees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are not required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors in the state of Texas as of June 1. Attendees who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 should continue to wear a mask indoors and outdoors, especially in crowds. No proof of vaccination status will be required.
  • All attendees, regardless of vaccination status, are still required to wear a facemask covering nose and mouth while on public transportation including, but not limited to: airplanes, shuttles, buses, etc. In addition, individual business in the Dallas area may enforce their own mask protocol – attendees may need to have masks even if vaccinated. The Westin Dallas Galleria is not requiring masks in their public areas for vaccinated guests. To view the hotel’s COVID-19 protocol, visit: https://whattoexpect.marriott.com/dalgw.
  • Cutting Edge Conference staff and hotel staff will not enforce mask wearing nor social distancing.
  • Attendees who are exhibiting symptoms, have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19, are asked not to travel to Dallas and not to attend the Cutting Edge Conference.

Onsite Health & Safety

  • Attendees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are not required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors in the state of Texas as of June 1. Attendees who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 should continue to wear a mask indoors and outdoors, especially in crowds. No proof of vaccination status will be required. Cutting Edge Conference staff will monitor room capacity and will try to maintain areas to allow for attendees to maintain social distancing, however, it will be up to individual attendees to seek out available space. Cutting Edge Conference staff and hotel staff will not enforce social distancing of attendees.
  • All event rooms will be cleaned overnight by hotel staff to limit potential exposure. Hand sanitizing stations will also be available throughout the meeting space.
  • UCA staff will disinfect registration desk countertops as needed.
  • The Westin Dallas Galleria has medical professional onsite/on call and will provide information to Cutting Edge staff to distribute if requested.
  • Attendees will be provided email and phone number to notify Cutting Edge and/or the Westin Dallas Galleria should they develop symptoms and require assistance. Cutting Edge Conference staff will notify the Westin Dallas Galleria medical personnel and refer attendee for assistance.

Post Show Monitoring

Should any attendee test positive for COVID-19 during or within 14 days of the end of the event, Cutting Edge requests that the affected attendee notify UCA and other attendees will be notified of potential exposure.