AC 2022 will again be in person in Traverse City. Helping everyone onsite stay safe is the top priority. Safety protocols aim at creating a healthy environment for all attendees.
The Michigan Conference is returning to the Grand Traverse Resort for an in-person Annual Conference, with events scheduled June 1-4, 2022.
The Commission on the Annual Conference Session has made the safety and well-being of members, staff, volunteers, and sponsors the single most important priority in the planning of this year’s gathering. Working with public health care professionals and the Grand Traverse Resort, a protocol and covenant exist to keep everyone as safe as possible in a large gathering environment. All members, staff, volunteers, and anyone present at Annual Conference will need to agree to the Health and Safety Covenant.
The policy has been set in place in February recognizing that infection rates could be much lower in June. Health and safety protocols will continue to be evaluated based on guidance and requirements from federal, state, and local health authorities and will be adjusted accordingly.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Vaccines: Members are asked to be fully vaccinated (as indicated by the CDC at the time of the event) or have a Negative PCR test result within 48 hours prior to arrival at Annual Conference. Members will be asked to have available proof of vaccination* or Negative PCR test result as a part of the registration check-in process.
Masking: Annual Conference attendees will be required to bring and wear an N95, KN95 or similar approved mask over their nose and mouth in all public spaces, plenary sessions, and break-out sessions, except when actively eating or drinking. Masks are required on Conference shuttle buses and any Conference transportation services. Masks are optional while outside and maintaining a physical distance of six feet from others is highly recommended.
Hand Sanitizing: Frequent hand sanitizing is encouraged, and touchless hand sanitizing stations will be set up throughout the resort. Please offer a blessing to those around you instead of a hug or a handshake.
MEASURES BEING TAKEN TO KEEP MEMBERS SAFE:
- Reduced seating in Governors Hall will be available to voting members and necessary personnel only. All voting will occur live in Governors Hall. Limited Visitor and Guest seating will be available in an alternate room with a Livestream of the session.
- The program schedule has been reduced by 14 hours to lessen exposure, and frequent breaks will allow members to step outside for fresh air.
- Legislative Committees will meet online pre-conference, and most conference reports will be prerecorded and available for viewing prior to Annual Conference.
- Focus Meals have been eliminated, shifting to all General Seating. This allows us to offer more space between chairs and maximize outdoor seating. Use the touchless hand sanitizing station before and after accessing the buffet line.
- Ministry Fair tables have been eliminated to open hallways during transit and meal times. A limited number of paid sponsor tables will be set up in the pre-function space of Governors Hall.
- The Michigan Conference is unable to pair up persons to share a room without a mutual request from said persons.
- Youth attending the Annual Conference will stay with their family unit, when possible.
- The conference Choir will not perform this year.
- Testing sites are being identified by the local district and will be available for those needing to test while onsite.
- Grand Traverse Resort no longer offers licensed childcare. Due to the complexities of Health & Safety protocols for children, no alternative is available.
MEMBERS MUST SIGN THE COVENANT PRIOR TO REGISTRATION
Clergy and Lay Members to the 2022 Michigan Annual Conference have received an email outlining the policies and procedures intended to keep them safe during the gathering.
If you are a member of this year’s annual conference, please review these safety protocols, and, if you have not already done so in reply to the email, click here to sign the covenant for safety. Registration to AC 2022 opens March 1. Members can not register or secure rooms without returning this covenant.
The Commission on the Annual Conference is grateful for your cooperation in keeping this meeting safe as an expression of Christian compassion and care for yourself and your neighbors.
*Note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition of Fully Vaccinated: A person has received their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines; 2 doses from Pfizer or Moderna, or 1 dose from Johnson & Johnson. Although recommended, a booster shot is not required to be considered Fully Vaccinated.
Last Updated on March 1, 2022