NCA 107th Annual Convention Update

NCA Convention
November 9, 2021

In accordance with this year’s theme of “Renewal and Transformation,” together we will explore how we can, and must, engage in the essential tasks of restoration and change. We have an outstanding program of panels, papers, and special sessions at this convention. We hope that you will take the time to explore these diverse and significant programs and fully embrace this opportunity to garner new insights, share perspectives, and foster community. For those who are unable to attend, please plan to join us for our nine live-streamed convention programs.

For those attending the Annual Convention in Seattle, we have information to share regarding the health and safety policies that will implemented on-site in our venues and throughout the city of Seattle. Please keep the following in mind.

As you prepare for your trip to Seattle:

  • Bring proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (physical card or photo of a card) with you when you travel to the convention. You will need to present this vaccination card for entry to all restaurants and bars in Seattle, (including in the hotel) and to be verified for entry to all convention meetings and events, so carry this proof on your person when traveling around the city per the current King County Health Order.
  • NCA recommends that those who are unvaccinated stay home, stay safe, and do not attend the convention. If you are attending unvaccinated, please receive a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel (within 72 hours of arriving on-site) and expect to take multiple rapid tests on-site during the convention.
  • Upload your vaccine verification or negative COVID-19 test results prior to arriving at the Annual Convention for a quick check-in process. All registered attendees have been sent a link for uploading their COVID-19 vaccine verification information.

Upon arrival at the convention:

  • All attendees must go through on-site COVID-19 vaccine verification prior to receiving their badge and other materials and prior to attending any convention sessions. Verification will take place in Ballroom 6C of the Washington State Convention Center. Allow extra time to move through this process. Verification will be open during the following hours:
    • Wednesday 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
    • Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  
    • Sunday 7:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. 
  • Once verified, attendees will receive a verification bracelet, which they must wear for the duration of their attendance at the convention.
  • All attendees must also always wear their badge as a secondary verification. If seen without your badge while in a session room, you may be asked to produce it, display your verification bracelet, or leave the session.
  • Bring your mask (and backups). Wearing a mask will be required in accordance with the Washington state renewed mask mandate that requires that everyone wear masks indoors, even people who are fully vaccinated. NCA will have a limited number of masks available in the convention registration area for those without a mask.
  • Anyone experiencing symptoms of illness on-site should quarantine in their room until obtaining a negative COVID-19 test. 
  • PCR tests will be available for anyone on the first floor of the convention center. Note that it will take 2-3 days to receive results.
  • Rapid tests, which typically produce results within 15 minutes, will be available at the verification site in Ballroom 6C at the Washington State Convention Center for unvaccinated people to be tested daily.
  • To help ensure attendee safety, NCA will:
    • Place hand sanitizing stations throughout convention meeting space.
    • Keep a stock of masks in the convention registration area.
    • Provide packages of sanitizing wipes in all meeting rooms to allow participants to wipe down high-touch surfaces.

We look forward to seeing you in Seattle!