Q: Will I be required to wear a mask while participating in the 2022 ABCA Convention?
A: Yes, the City of Chicago has an indoor mask mandate in place since August 20, 2021 and this will remain in effect during the Convention. This mandate applies regardless of vaccination status.
Q: What is the City of Chicago vaccine requirement for indoor dining, fitness & entertainment that was announced on December 21, 2021?
A: The mayor of the City of Chicago announced that "any individual 5 years of age or older will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or enjoy entertainment venues where food or drink are being served" beginning January 3.
Q: How does the City of Chicago's vaccine mandate for indoor dining, fitness & entertainment affect the ABCA Convention?
A: The vaccine mandate that is in place for the City of Chicago will have little impact on the ABCA Convention overall.
Events that will NOT be affected by the new requirements:
- Clinics
- ABCA Trade Show
- Youth Coaches Session
- Hot Stoves
- Meetings
- Any events or meetings that don't include food and beverage
The ABCA may need to adjust some meetings that include food and beverage, as well as some locations of where food and beverage are served. We are working with the City of Chicago to determine any necessary changes and will notify the affected attendees when changes are determined. However, the bulk of the events at the Convention are not changed by the December 21st announcement.
Q: What if I am unvaccinated, how does this affect my Convention participation?
A: We are pleased that our Convention is moving forward as expected and largely unaffected within the health and safety requirements. If you are planning to attend the ABCA Convention while unvaccinated, you will still be able to obtain your badge and registration materials and participate in the events such as clinics, Trade Show, Hot Stoves and other meetings without food & beverage. You will, however, need to plan meals accordingly, taking advantage of grab-and-go options, restaurant take-out, room service, grocery store meals, etc.
Q: What types of entities are requiring proof of vaccination in Chicago?
A: Indoor dining establishments where food or beverages are served, including, but not limited to, restaurants, bars, fast food establishments, coffee shops, tasting rooms, cafeterias, food courts, dining areas of grocery stores, breweries, wineries, distilleries, banquet halls, and hotel ballrooms; and indoor fitness venues, including, but not limited to, gyms, recreation facilities, fitness centers, yoga, pilates, cycling, barre, and dance studios, hotel gyms, boxing and kickboxing gyms, fitness boot camps, and other facilities used for conducting indoor group fitness classes.
Q: What is "fully vaccinated" as defined by the City of Chicago?
A: The City of Chicago defines fully vaccinated individuals as those that are two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson.
Q: What is a valid proof of vaccination as defined by the City of Chicago, if I am vaccinated and wish to visit any indoor dining restaurants or those types of venues in Chicago?
A: The City of Chicago defines a valid proof of vaccination for indoor dining and food & beverage service as showing a Valid photo ID (age 16+) and a physical vaccination card, photocopy of vaccination card, digital record (screenshot on phone) or app or printed record from vaccine provider.
Q: Is proof of vaccination from another country also valid as defined by the City of Chicago?
A: Yes, proof of vaccination from another country is valid as defined by the City of Chicago.
Q: Is a negative COVID test an acceptable alternative to providing proof of vaccination where required?
A: No, the City of Chicago has not included a negative COVID test as an acceptable alternative to proof of vaccination for entry into establishments falling under the city's new mandate.