The decision to hold the 2022 Summit in person was driven by several factors, including determining how best to produce the event effectively and safely considering Covid health concerns with the least negative impact on attendees. The STC Summit planning begins months before the actual event. The decision to hold an in-person event had to be made during the height of the omicron variant news. Fortunately, things have changed quickly in the proceeding months, including updated guidelines and statistics from the CDC, the Hyatt, and Cook County, Illinois.
Returning to in-person conferences after almost two years remote is sure to bring a healthy mix of excitement from assuming normalcy to outright trepidation. If you’ve not yet re-entered the conference circuit, this blog post is meant to provide you with a conference navigation roadmap, highlighting ways to keep yourself safe and informed when traveling and attending the 2022 Summit.
The location and hotel
STC’s Summit is being held in Chicago, IL, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare (Rosemont), 15-18 May 2022. Information about the health of the County is published daily at on the CDC website. Currently, Cook County is reporting a low community rate in cases and hospitalizations. The Rosemont Hyatt is following a Cleanliness Commitment that includes advanced cleaning procedures, sanitizing stations and wellness checks, as well as food safety protocols.
STC currently is requesting attendees to bring proof of vaccination and masks to the event. Keep informed by visiting the Summit Covid protocols on the Summit website, which will likely change as we get closer to May. STC plans to practice socially distancing attendees whenever possible in session rooms and events.
The travel
Rosemont is easy to get to via the Chicago O’Hare airport, and flight availability, pricing, and seating have returned to their pre-pandemic state. The primary difference is that masks are required. On the flip side? Planes look and feel immaculate of which we all approve! After arriving at O’Hare airport, the Hyatt Rosemont is easy to find as well, with multiple public transportation options as well as a complimentary hotel shuttle to/from O’Hare (6:00 AM to 10:30 PM).
The conference
Attendee registration and check-in will be easy for conference attendees, with STC currently first requiring proof of vaccination for attendance. Rest assured these aren’t difficult steps, but they are new, different, and additional. Prior to arrival, pay attention to the conference communications you receive leading up to the event. You will receive detailed instructions on how to ensure you are current on each step of the process so that your conference check-in experience will feel smooth and easy.
Most importantly
Bring everything you might need. Staffing and supply chain issues are impacting everything, including every facet of travel—bring with you important items like IDs, vaccination cards, extra masks, and hand sanitizer, as well as comfort items like tissues, snack bars, and medications.
Research, research, research. To eliminate frustrations before they happen, look up menus, mask requirements, hotel and venue safety updates, and hours of operation for everything. There is a lot to do in Rosemont, including great restaurants, a comedy club, indoor skydiving, and shopping!
Stay safe. Nothing is as important as you getting to and from the Summit safely. Stay diligent, keep yourself mentally balanced, drink fluids and rest as you can.
This is our new normal in unprecedented times. For those jumping back in the conference waters, welcome back! Summit registration rates go up April 1st, so March is the month to register and start planning!