Latest Updates

(as of 9.20.21)

The health and well-being of our attendees, members and staff has always been a top priority for IDEA at our events, now more than ever.

For IDEA2021 in Austin, IDEA will be adhering to CDC Guidelines and local guidelines from the City of Austin, including the requirement that all attendees, members, exhibitors, speakers and guests wear protective masks while indoors on city property (Austin Convention Center). We also encourage attendees to follow social distance guidance, adhere to spacing suggestions laid out on the floor, wash hands and use hand sanitizers frequently, and if not feeling well stay in your room or home.

• In a recent event survey of IDEA members, more than 90% of respondents indicated that they were vaccinated and eager to get back together with pragmatic attention to safety protocols.
• We plan to do all that we can to enable a safe, comfortable and productive conference event

IDEA2021 Attendees and Exhibitors

• As of 9/20, The Austin Convention Center is still requiring that everyone - regardless of vaccination status -wears mask while on property.
• If you have been vaccinated, IDEA highly recommends that you wear a mask while indoors at any other facility that has not implemented a mask requirement, per CDC recommendations published on July 27, 2021.
• If you have not been vaccinated, for your safety and the safety of others, we strongly recommend that you always wear a mask for the duration of the event, especially whenever you cannot adequately distance from other attendees.
• IDEA will provide disposable masks onsite, though we encourage you to bring your own as well.

• At this time, IDEA nor the facilities mentioned are requiring attendees to show proof of vaccination to attend IDEA2021.
• IDEA will be taking non-contact temperature readings for entry to meeting facilities.
• If at any time you experience fever, cold or flu symptoms, tiredness, achiness or other flu/cold symptoms, we ask that you refrain from attending sessions and notify IDEA staff at idea@districtenergy.org.
• IDEA will have a supply of rapid COVID-19 tests available for those who are feeling ill.

• For IDEA2021, IDEA Staff will continue to work closely with management at the Austin Convention Center and our two hotels, The Fairmont Austin and The Hilton Austin, to ensure that thorough health and safety protocols are observed.
• As you might imagine, these protocols continue to evolve at each facility as conditions change. Please be assured that IDEA will keep you informed via email, the conference mobile app and other means regarding any updates or changes to policies at the respective facilities in Austin. 
• Currently, each facility is implementing comprehensive sanitation measures and has enough space to allow people to adequately social distance if needed. 
• Seating and floor plans allow for a freer movement with the opportunity to social distance. 
• We are working with our vendors, including catering, AV and exhibit hall show decorator to ensure they observe safety protocols as well.

• • All employees are strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine and receive incentive to do so.
  • All employees are currently wearing masks even if vaccinated
  • Guest rooms are now cleaned upon request to minimize number of employees entering a guest room
  • In addition to thorough cleaning process all high touch areas in guest rooms and public spaces (door handles, remotes elevators, escalators etc) receive additional Lysol product cleaning
  • Front desk staff currently have a clear acrylic partition at the desk separating the guest and employee at check in
  • Hand sanitizing stations are placed throughout the lobby, meeting space, and public restrooms
  • In the meeting space high touch areas such as door handles, chairs, tables are cleaned with Lysol products

Fairmont Austin (as of 9/20/21)  – The Fairmont Hotel are requiring all employees to be masked.

IDEA strongly advises using referring to the  CDC Guidelines for domestic travel. as a resource for your travel plans.