IPAC’24 Health and Safety
COVID-19 guidelines for IPAC’24 are set by local health authorities found at the Davidson County Health Department (KCHD) COVID-19 guideline website.
To see the current Davidson County, TN COVID-19 community levels and prevention steps choose the state of Tennessee and Davidson County in the widget below.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to our 2020 conferences was so severe that we had to cancel the in person event for both the IPAC’24 and EIC. EIC was able to quickly organize a successful virtual event by the extraordinary efforts of Diego and his organizing committee. We are optimistic that the COVID-19 pandemic will be controlled by the summer of 2022 and will have minimal impact to our in person event. We encourage you to follow the international, state, and local guidelines to ensure your safety and health.
Please know that our thoughts are with those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
The health and safety of our members and participants are our first priority. We are closely monitoring any specific travel advisories through official channels which include the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. State Department.
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. IEEE continues to closely monitor this dynamic situation and will provide updates with any developments.
The health and safety of attendees is our top priority and therefore the following proactive tips are being taken to maintain a safe and healthy environment at IPAC24:
- We are committed to following regional jurisdiction guidelines and rules in maintaining a safe environment for our attendees. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines are located here.
- We are working closely with the Nashville Convention Center in Nashville, TN, and Hotels hosting official IPAC24 programming to ensure there are sufficient medical processes in place and sanitation products readily available.
- The city of Nashville’s information page and the Davidson County Health Department’s page have current information on COVID-19 for the area.
- We will continue to provide timely WHO and other relevant updates to registered attendees throughout the conference as may be needed.
- CDC data for Davidson County, TN
ATTENDEE HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES
We look forward to seeing you at IPAC’24! The health and safety of all attendees is our primary goal. To ensure the well-being of all event participants, we have assembled the following guidelines to provide a safe and enjoyable experience.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
As a general rule, please use common sense when traveling to and attending the event. If you need assistance at any time, please reach out to:
Robert Saethre – Local Organizing Committee Chair IPAC24
BEFORE THE EVENT
Travel
Be sure to write down the name and contact information of the event venue and your assigned hotel.
Music City Center
201 Rep. John Lewis Way South
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
nashvillemusiccitycenter.com
(615) 401–1400
Omni Nashville Hotel
250 Rep. John Lewis Way South
Nashville, TN 37203
https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/nashville?utm_source=gmblisting&utm_medium=organic
(615) 782-5300
Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown
300 Korean Veterans Blvd
Nashville, TN 37201
https://www.druryhotels.com/locations/nashville-tn/drury-plaza-hotel-nashville-downtown
(615) 259-7881
- Share your plans.
- Advise a family member or friend of your travel plans, including the dates you will be gone, how you will travel to the meeting, and where you are staying.
- Research your destination and review requirements for entry/exit, visa requirements, local laws, customs, medical care etc. If traveling abroad, note the location of the embassy or consulate of your home country. (source: U.S. Department of State)
- Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans and familiarize yourself with the local currency.
- Keep medications in your carry-on luggage.
Safety
- Make at least two photocopies of all your travel documents (passport, driver’s license, credit cards, etc.).
- Leave one copy with a trusted person at home and carry the other separately from your original documents.
- Keep your passport separate from your wallet to avoid theft.
- Do not carry your passport in your back pocket.
Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) https://www.who.int/ offers the following health guidance to help you prepare for your trip.
Read up on your destination (local diseases, packing recommendations, and preventative medications)
If traveling internationally, contact a travel medicine center or a physician, preferably 4–8 weeks before departure to receive any required vaccinations
Obtain prescriptions for your medications and assemble a suitable medical kit
Please visit the World Health Organization’s website for any travel advisories for your destination prior to your trip.
DURING THE EVENT
Safety
- Protect your identity.
- Wear your name badge only inside the meeting and convention facility.
- Remove and secure your name badge when going to and from the meeting.
- When disposing of your name badge, scratch out or destroy your name and the QR code to protect your personal information.
- Plan for an emergency.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Know where the nearest exists are located.
- Use the buddy system. Exchange contact information with another meeting attendee.
- In the event of an emergency, agree where you will meet up. Call for help if your buddy doesn’t meet up at the agreed location within a reasonable amount of time.
- See something, say something. If you see something that raises a safety or security concern, please say something.
- Keep a close eye on your belongings at all times.
- Avoid leaving bags on the ground or over the back of your chair.
- Report any lost/stolen property or ID documents immediately by calling the local authorities. Promptly cancel any lost or stolen credit cards.
- Do not leave beverages unattended and do not accept food or drinks from people you do not know.
- Lock your vehicle and secure any valuables.
- Do not indicate your room number on your hotel key.
Health
- If you or a fellow participant require medical assistance during the event, immediately inform event staff or call emergency services 911.
- Carry documentation of medications, allergies, and blood type. Wear your medical alert bracelet if you have one.
- Follow the World Health Organization’s (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases at the event:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Maintain social distancing (1 meter/3 feet) between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth with flexed elbow or tissue. Throw tissue into closed bin immediately after use.
- If you have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early.
- Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider.
Emergency Contacts
If you hear an alarm, please evacuate the facility immediately in a calm and orderly fashion. Pay close attention to your surroundings.
Follow all directions from emergency personnel and event staff.
Local Hospitals
Below find the contact information of the hospitals with emergency rooms closest to our event. If you are venturing outside of the event venue, please note that there may be closer hospitals. In an emergency, always contact emergency services immediately 911.
Nashville General Hospital: Emergency Room
1818 Albion St
Nashville, TN 37208
https://nashvillegeneral.org/
(615) 341-4357
Open 24 hours
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
1211 Medical Center Dr
Nashville, TN 37232
https://www.vanderbilthealth.com/
(615) 322-0160
Emergency – Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown
Emergency room
2000 Church St
Nashville, TN 37203
https://healthcare.ascension.org/locations/tennessee/tnnas/nashville-ascension-saint-thomas-hospital-midtown/emergency-department?utm_campaign=gmb&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=local
(615) 284-5555
Open 24 hours