The Federal Bar Association is committed to creating an event experience where our participants, partners and employees can safely and effectively conduct business, network and learn. The 2021 Annual Meeting and Convention will follow current CDC guidelines as well as any applicable protocols that may be required by our venues, state and local governments. As guidelines evolve based on CDC recommendations and government mandates, we will share new developments on this resource page.

Symptoms

We ask that all attendees act with personal responsibility, including not attending if you or anyone in your household has experienced any COVID-like symptoms in the 10 days prior to the event.

Vaccination

We ask that attendees adhere to the current CDC recommendations based upon individual circumstances and personal vaccination status (see links below under Helpful Resources). Proof of vaccination will be required for the Court Reception on Thursday, September 23. Policies at the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. U.S. Courthouse are established by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Masks

All attendees regardless of vaccination status must adhere to venue face covering policies. FBA will have disposable masks available for attendees upon request during the convention.

  • The Hilton Miami Downtown has a mandatory face covering policy in public areas of the hotel. Masks may be removed when you are eating or drinking in public convention spaces.
  • Masks, temperature screening, and proof of vaccination will be required for the Court Reception on Thursday, September 23. Policies at the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. U.S. Courthouse are established by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Masks may be removed at the reception when you are eating or drinking.
  • The Pérez Art Museum Miami requires face coverings for all visitors. Food and beverages will be served outdoors, and masks may be removed when you are eating or drinking.
Social Distancing

Meeting rooms will be set at reduced capacity. Operational adjustments may occur throughout the event to ensure the health and safety of all attendees. Please adhere to all signage and direction from venue and event staff.

Food and Beverage

Meals, breaks, and receptions taking place at the host hotel have been redesigned to enhance safety. Buffet stations will be one-sided with masked hotel staff preparing plates to reduce exposure. The number of food and beverage stations throughout the hotel will be increased to reduce crowding. Hotel staff will be present to clean and refresh meeting rooms.

Enhanced Cleaning and Safety Protocols

The Hilton CleanStay program provides enhanced training for hotel staff, increased cleaning of public areas, and adjusted food & beverage service. Disinfecting stations with hand sanitizer will be available throughout the hotel. Signage will provide reminders regarding masks, hygiene, and encouraged safety measures.

Statement of Understanding, Consent Form, and Liability Waiver

COVID-19 has been declared a worldwide pandemic and is extremely contagious. As a result, in order to resume activities, social distancing and other essential safety measures for the Annual Meeting and Convention (“Convention”) have been established. Reasonable preventative measures have been put into place along with standards of behavior in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Even with implementation of safety protocols, the Convention and the Federal Bar Association/FBA South Florida Chapter cannot guarantee that you will not become infected with COVID-19 and attendance at and/or participation in the Convention could increase your risk of contracting COVID-19. If you are considered high-risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to have a severe response to COVID-19, the Convention and the Federal Bar Association/FBA South Florida Chapter strongly encourage you to attend and/or participate in the Convention remotely.

By attending, you acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and that you may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by attending and/or by participating in the Convention, and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. By attending, you understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at the Convention may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to Federal Bar Association/FBA South Florida Chapter employees, volunteers, and participants and their families.

You further agree to absolutely release and hold harmless the Activity, the Federal Bar Association, the FBA South Florida Chapter, and its members, directors, officers, employees, attorneys, agents and representatives arising from or in connection with any alleged negligent acts or omissions of those entities or individuals, from any and all claims and causes of action in any way related to attendance at the Convention, including but not limited to any claims of negligent exposure.

2021 Annual Meeting & Convention attendees who will attend the event in-person will be required to consent to review and agree to the Statement of Understanding, Consent Form, and Liability Waiver prior to arrival onsite. Registration refunds will be issued if an attendee prior to arrival onsite does not agree to the terms of the Statement of Understanding, Consent Form, and Liability Waiver.

Helpful Resources:
Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People | CDC
How to Protect Yourself & Others – Guidance for Unvaccinated People | CDC