Please Note: The COVID-19 situation in the United States is fluid, and we continue to monitor developments that may impact attendees for our 2023 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference. In order to stay current, check this page periodically leading up to the conference.
Attendees should be prepared to follow the masking protocols established by the venue. At time of publication, there are no masking mandates for the EDUCAUSE conference venues, however we recommend that all attendees wear masks, social distance, and engage in group activities commensurate with their comfort level. We suggest reviewing the CDC guidelines about COVID-19 prevention actions and come prepared with your own supplies (i.e., hand sanitizers, disposable masks, home testing kits, etc.) EDUCAUSE reserves the right to enforce masking mandates at the event even if the venue does not require them. Attendees who cannot wear masks due to a health condition should consult a medical professional about possible alternatives. We ask that all attendees respect one another’s comfort level with masking/non-masking.
EDUCAUSE anticipates about 7,000 attendees at the in-person conference.
Currently, there are no social distancing mandates in the city of Chicago. However, we are asking that attendees be mindful of fellow attendees who may be less comfortable with close contact or sharing spaces. Attendees will have the option to add stickers to their badge to indicate their comfort level for close contact. We have also built out common and community spaces in the venue to allow attendees to spread out.
We ask that all attendees respect the comfort level for close contact and touching of other attendees. The new business etiquette is to ask consent before shaking hands and to sanitize hands often. Please look for a personal space comfort sticker on fellow attendee badges as a cue for close contact and handshake preferences.
McCormick Place has increased the cleaning of common areas and restrooms. In addition, high-touch areas such as doors, escalator rails, elevator buttons, and elevator interiors are cleaned regularly throughout each day. All cleaning and disinfecting are performed according to CDC guidelines with materials approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency for use in public areas. This process includes technology such as ozone or hydroxyl generators, electrostatic mist cleaning, and foggers.
The City of Chicago maintains a list of testing sites. Note some of these providers require appointments and pre-enrollment, so please plan ahead. Check COVIDtests.gov for information about how to get an at home test.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 you should follow the CDC’s recommendations for what to do if you were exposed.
If you test positive for COVID-19 during the conference, please check with your health care provider to make sure your basic health and wellness needs are met. Please inform [email protected] of your situation. Follow CDC guidelines for precautions to prevent spreading it to others: isolation, masking, and avoiding contact with people who are at high risk of getting very sick. You should be prepared to isolate yourself in Chicago and not travel home using public transportation if you test positive for COVID-19 during the conference.