The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every component of our lives, and live events are no different. Bioneers is excited to be able to bring our community together again in our first in-person event in two years. In-person events in a COVID era present unique challenges that we are collectively, as a society, still figuring out together. Bioneers is committed to producing a safe and healthy event, with the understanding that there is no way to eliminate all risk and attendees are participating at their own risk. The County of San Francisco has recently eliminated the vaccine mandate for indoor events and Bioneers has been working closely with our venue, the Palace of Fine Arts, and consulting with public health experts to create a policy that creates a safe and healthy space for all attendees.
Fundamentally, we are building a community together at Bioneers each year and we respectfully ask that all attendees commit to caring for themselves and each other by following the protocols laid out here. There are elders among us, those who are immunocompromised or who live with people at risk in some way – please be compassionate and caring. Let’s take care of each other. This is what Bioneers is all about, supporting and connecting a community that cares for people and planet. Taking appropriate precautions is a simple way to put this ethic into action.
The Bioneers Conference at the Palace of Fine Arts plans to take an approach to safety that will incorporate multiple layers of protection and guidance.
- Masks.
Masking remains a fundamental tool in reducing airborne transmission of disease. Masks will be required in the Palace of Fine Arts Theater and within the smaller contained venues in the adjacent Hangar space. We ask that attendees wear high quality (surgical masks or better) within these venues. Surgical masks will be provided on-site if necessary. We ask that you be courteous to others and wear your mask properly. Speakers will have the option to remove their masks during their presentations if they choose to do so. - Ventilation.
Bioneers is working with the Palace of Fine Arts to maximize ventilation in all venues. Additional ventilation and air purification will be provided on-site as needed. - Symptom Screening.
We ask that all attendees screen themselves for symptoms daily and NOT ATTEND THE EVENT if any symptoms are present. If you have access to a home COVID test, we recommend you take one prior to attending the event. Bioneers will provide complimentary virtual event registration and will refund the registration difference for those who determine they have symptoms or test positive on a home test. - Communication.
Attendees will hear from Bioneers regularly prior to and during the event regarding preventative screening for symptoms and other COVID safety protocols.
Bioneers is still working out a number of specific details but intend to do our very best to host a safe event. The event takes place in two venues, a large theater (the Palace of Fine Arts) and a massive indoor hangar space next door (the old Exploratorium). The Hangar has multiple enormous doors that will be open enough such that the bulk of that venue will have more-than-ample outdoor airflow. We are consulting with epidemiologists to be sure our approach is in line with medical best practices in San Francisco.
All that said, it is important to be clear that Bioneers is unable to eliminate risk, even in the best of circumstances, and obviously conditions out of our control are very dynamic. By attending this event, you are accepting the responsibility and risk that goes with participating in an indoor event during this time.
