Dear Colleagues,

In just a few weeks, we will be getting together in Miami, Florida for our annual Fall Voice Conference. As we are all making final preparations for attending the 2021 Conference, we want to review some of the Hilton Hotel and our very own health and safety standards that will be in effect during the meeting.

The Hilton policy itself insists on the wearing of masks by guests in all "public" areas. These areas primarily include the lobbies and elevators but not the private meeting rooms. All Hilton Team members are required to wear a mask at all times and practice social distancing. Although the Hilton believes their normal cleaning protocols are very effective already, they have enhanced their cleaning protocols of both guest-facing and back of house areas. Please click HERE to view the Hilton Clean Stay Guest Experience flyer.

The Fall Voice Conference has all of the meeting space available at the hotel and therefore there will be ample room throughout for appropriate social distancing. Current CDC guidelines at this time recommend the use of masks in areas of "large gatherings" despite vaccination status. As medical professionals, we ask that all of us respect both social distancing and wear a mask in our meeting areas.

We understand that various states, cities and countries have different requirements and in fact, two countries are stopping all COVID related public restrictions. However, we encourage all of our attendees to respect and support one another at our gathering. It is our hope that all of our speakers, attendees, and supporters will feel comfortable with these measures and that we will adhere to these to ensure the well-being of all of us.

Currently, we have over 300 people registered for the in-person meeting and over 100 registered virtually. I would like you to know that safety is our #1 priority and we will be complying with all local mandates to alleviate any concerns that you may have. All IN-PERSON attendees will be required to sign an attestation noting that they are fully vaccinated before entering the meeting space.

Thank all of you for your support for this outstanding meeting. Please feel free to email me any questions or concerns which we will try to address. Hope to "see" you all in just a few weeks!

Greg Postma
gpostma@augusta.edu
Professor and Vice-Chairman, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Director, Center for Voice, Airway and Swallowing Disorders