If you have forgotten how to pack for a road trip after being grounded for nearly two years by a global health crisis, there is no need to worry, because you probably are not alone. After all, who has not forgotten such travel essentials as toothpaste, a hairbrush or, oh, say a copy of your Covid 19 vaccination card? Everyone headed to next year's GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego better pack all three.
The California Department of Public Health recently reaffirmed its rule that all attendees at indoor events of 1,000 or more people - which includes the GCSAA Conference - must show proof of a Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test result. The department most recently reviewed its policy on what it calls "mega events" on Oct. 28, and there is no indication that it will be reviewed again before the GCSAA Conference scheduled for Feb. 5-10 in San Diego. And that policy has not influenced the association's desire for an in-person show for its members and industry partners in 2022.
Proof of a vaccine or negative test result, so far, are NOT necessary to fly anywhere in the continental United States, including San Diego, but one or the other will be required to gain access to the convention center upon touchdown at Lindbergh Field. Convention center personnel told TurfNet that a picture of a vaccine card downloaded to a smartphone will suffice for proof.
"Nope," was Joe Wachter's response when asked if showing proof of a vaccination will influence his decision to attend the show.
"I'm planning on going. Just a few more left for me, unless I go after I retire. Which could happen, I guess."
If you have not been vaccinated, you better stick a mask in that suitcase, as well.
According to convention center personnel, the facility follows all CDC recommendations for masking, which includes mandatory mask use for anyone who has not been vaccinated. And since showing a vax card is required for entry, there is no faking it - at least when entering the facility. What happens afterward is between each unvaxxed attendee and their respective conscience.
The convention center also suggests vaccinated visitors mask up, but it is not required - at least by the convention center. Host organizations are at liberty to impose stricter guidelines for their events, including masks for all attendees, according to convention center staff.
I think it will be very interesting to see how many people actually do travel. There is still a lot of uncertainty with people and kids in school and being around other people, and I also think there are a lot of employers that are still kind of a little hesitant in terms of employees traveling.
Rick Tegtmeier, CGCS at Des Moines Golf and Country Club in Iowa, said he is OK with vax mandates.
"I don't mind showing that I have been vaccinated to go to the show," Tegtmeier said.
"I am not going to Beer and Pretzels and wear a mask, or walk the trade show floor with a mask on. I would rather stay home than be forced to do that at any function."
This year's show scheduled for Las Vegas was canceled due to Covid, and was replaced by a virtual show. In the event a physical show goes off as planned in 2022, there will still be a virtual show held over a 32-hour period Feb. 23-24, and the education will differ from that offered in the live conference.
Although the GCSAA is planning for an in-person show, nothing is certain. The number of Covid cases has been on the decline in California, but much can change between now and February. If Covid conditions in California were to worsen, another all-virtual event could be on tap again.
John Zimmers of Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, said he probably will be headed to San Diego, but he also wonders how many of his colleagues will be staying home this year, either because of Covid concerns, opinions on vaccinations, club economics or just plain old coronavirus fatigue.
"From my perspective, I've been vaccinated, so it probably wouldn't really change much of what I will decide to do, or not do," Zimmers said. "But it is interesting, and I'm sure it will have some sort of output or input on people who are going or not going. Everybody seems to have a different opinion on it. But it appears if you are going to travel that you are going to have to have the vaccine. I think it would certainly be easier if everyone would standardize things.
"I think it will be very interesting to see how many people actually do travel. There is still a lot of uncertainty with people and kids in school and being around other people, and I also think there are a lot of employers that are still kind of a little hesitant in terms of employees traveling."