Peace of mind for an in-person meeting

While you’re learning and networking with the best and brightest in the field of periodontology – not to mention enjoying the beaches, golf courses, restaurants, and sunshine of Miami Beach – the Academy wants you to do so knowing careful consideration is being paid to ensure the safety of all Annual Meeting participants.

With so much uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the AAP wants to share a list of frequently asked question relate to COVID prevention measures planned for the 107th Annual Meeting.

Will the 107th Annual Meeting pivot to a virtual event?
The decision to host the 2021 Annual Meeting in-person was not taken lightly. Once COVID vaccines became widely available, coupled with the knowledge that the vast majority of AAP members were vaccinated, it was finally determined that the AAP would move forward with an in-person meeting. Due to financial and contractual obligations, the only thing that could overturn that decision at this point would be a government mandated shutdown which seems very unlikely.

Will proof of vaccination be required for the AAP Annual Meeting?
Proof of vaccination will not be required to attend the AAP Annual Meeting, but for the health and safety of all attendees, the AAP strongly recommends that attendees who are able to be vaccinated should do so.

Will masks be required at Annual Meeting?
Per Miami ordinances, and CDC guidelines, masks are required at all times inside the Miami Beach Convention Center. Masks are also required on all shuttles traveling between the convention center and surrounding hotels.

In addition to masks, what other precautions are being taken?
Signs will be posted throughout the Miami Beach Convention Center reminding attendees to stay at least six feet apart when interacting with other attendees. There are reduced room capacities for all rooms where education sessions and other events are taking place. Numerous hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the convention center. Additionally, the Miami Beach Convention Center has installed new, high-efficiency MERV filters to improve air filtration in the building and all HVAC systems are in compliance with CDC Guidelines.

What if I begin feeling ill in Miami Beach?
There are numerous COVID testing locations around Miami Beach in close proximity to the Miami Beach Convention Center. For a full list of testing sites, please visit miamidade.gov/global/initiatives/coronavirus/testing-locations.page.

What can I do to help?
In accordance with the guidance and recommendations set forth by the CDC and local health officials, we respectfully request that the following guests not attend the meeting:

• Guests who are feeling sick or experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms (including fever, cough and shortness of breath)
• Guests who have been diagnosed with, or believe to have contracted, COVID-19, unless no fever has been present for 72 hours (without use of medicine) and 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared
• Guests who have not been fully vaccinated and have been in contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days

For the most current CDC recommendation in regard to travel, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at CDC.gov.

For COVID updates specific to Miami Beach, please visit miamibeachfl.gov/coronavirus.