Following an intensive study of current COVID-19 conditions, including a staff tour of the Savannah Convention Center, the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Board of Directors has made the decision that the conference cannot be held with the COVID-19 protocols currently in place, in particular, the physical distancing requirements.
Based on the social distancing guidelines in the current executive order from Gov. Brian Kemp (for conventions) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations (for the educational meeting rooms), the exhibit hall and lunch seating capacity would be reduced by 70% to 80%.
A regular education meeting room normally seating 101 people would be reduced to 19 people under social distancing guidelines. The dining hall for lunch normally seating 800-plus people would be limited to 240 people. With a normal attendance of 3,200 to 3,500 the social distancing requirements makes holding the conference impossible.
While conditions may improve before January, most epidemiology experts predict preventive measures such as face masks and social distancing requirements will continue well into 2021.
The long-term viability of the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is a major concern. Growers and industry suppliers look to the SE Regional to secure the latest educational and operational information to plan for the new year. In order to pivot and move to a virtual platform for the conference time does not permit waiting any longer to consider what the Georgia COVID-19 conditions will be in January. Pivoting to a virtual format for 2021 requires intensive planning during the 14 weeks between now and January.
Safety First
Most important is the safety of SE Regional attendees and the general public. Georgia has been a hotspot for COVID-19 during the past several months. Large gatherings of people, like the SE Regional Conference, is one of the leading causes for the spread of COVID-19. The bottom line is safety cannot be assured without compliance with the recommended guideline.
While we are disappointed we won’t be gathering in Savannah in January, we are excited we will continue to fulfill the SE Regional’s mission with a new and unique virtual format this year. SE Regional, as the premier regional fruit and vegetable conference, will continue to offer the latest in grower educational sessions, industry supplier exhibits and networking opportunities.
In the next two weeks, event planners will be providing more information on exhibiting, sponsoring and attending the 2021 Virtual Southeast Regional Conference.
Reach out to the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association at 706-845-8200 with any questions.
"vegetable" - Google News
September 24, 2020 at 02:56AM
https://ift.tt/363wweq
Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference Going Virtual - Southeast Produce Weekly
"vegetable" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2CyIOeE
https://ift.tt/3aVzfVV
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference Going Virtual - Southeast Produce Weekly"
Post a Comment