We are excited to hold the 2022 Sustainability in Packaging US conference at the Swissotel Chicago from March 9 – 11, 2022.
While the 2022 conference presents us with the opportunity to get back to business, we recognize that this year will be a little different. We must start with an acknowledgement that the situation remains fluid and subject to change as circumstances, such as governmental recommendations, vaccination rate, and other factors, dictate. Attendee safety is our top priority.
Attendance at the 2022 Sustainability in Packaging US conference is subject to compliance with state and local, Smithers, and event venue policies, procedures, and safety recommendations. Including, but not limited to, wearing a mask, physical distancing, and retreating immediately if feeling unwell or showing symptoms.
There are several locations near Swissotel that will test all patients including those needed for travel:
Please note that Walgreens and CVS require patient to be in a vehicle. No walk up to the drive thru window. Clear Wellness does not require a vehicle.
All 3 locations are not a walkable distance from Swissotel but are only about 5-7min from the hotel using Uber. It is recommended anyone who needs a PCR test to make an appointment online.
The Swissotel Chicago is following procedures and protocols developed in consideration of guidance and information shared by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the City of Chicago.
As of February 28, 2022, the City of Chicago will no longer require proof of vaccination to participate in a indoor event or meeting as well as masks will no longer be required.
However, Smithers will require all attendees to confirm that you are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 and have not recently been exposed to anyone who tested positive. If you do have symptoms or have been exposed, you are not permitted to attend and registration will be refunded, or you can opt to attend the livestreamed virtual sessions. Please ensure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to the United States and for travel to Illinois.
To encourage a safe and successful conference, below are some of the COVID-19 protocols that you can expect to see on site:
Please be advised that a risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any event or public space, including conference. Prior to purchasing a ticket for and attending the 2022 Sustainability in Packaging US conference, please ensure you have read the latest CDC Guidelines for Prevention.
By attending Sustainability in Packaging conference, you acknowledge this inherent risk and, as a condition of entering Sustainability in Packaging US conference, you acknowledge, understand, and confirm each of the following in accordance with applicable health guidelines:
Please do not enter Sustainability in Packaging US conference or the Swissotel Chicago if you cannot confirm all of the above criteria. If at any point during your time at Sustainability in Packaging US conference you do not meet all of the above criteria, you will be required to isolate and may be relocated or asked to leave at the sole discretion of conference and venue management.
What safety measures are taken at the hotel?
The Swissotel Chicago follows strong cleaning/sanitizing protocols, requires you wear a mask in public areas, and offers touch-free controls in guest rooms.
View the venue COVID-19 statement: https://all.accor.com/event/information.en.
What safety measures are enforced at the city?
Please read here for the most current Illinois COVID – 19 Travel Guidance.
Will I need to wear a mask? Will I need to wear a mask if I'm vaccinated?
U.S. locations with no state or local mask requirements - revised policy. In conference and meeting locations where the state or local jurisdiction does not have a mask mandate, we will allow attendees who are fully vaccinated to enter the conference without a face mask or face shield. We will not require proof of vaccination, but we ask for attendees’ responsible and respectful cooperation with this revised policy. Smithers continues to recommend that all attendees, especially those who are at higher risk, wear a mask or shield.
U.S. locations with state or local mask requirements - no policy change. In conference and meeting locations where the state or local jurisdiction does have a mask mandate, we will follow the state or local regulations and continue to require attendees to wear a face mask or face shield. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.
What safety measures are taken for food served at the event?
Individually plated food will be provided. Attendees may remove their masks while actively eating and drinking, with appropriate social distancing in effect.
If I’m traveling from outside of the United States, is a negative COVID-19 test required?
Yes, at this time all air passengers traveling to the US, regardless of vaccination or antibody status, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery. We will continue to update these FAQs as more information about international travel becomes available, however, please monitor the US Department of State website and the CDC website for official guidance.
How can I participate in the convention if I can’t travel?
Register to attend the 2022 Sustainability in Packaging US conference virtually! We've made it possible for you to participate in the live event from anywhere. The conference will be live streamed on the online platform, so you can submit your questions in real-time! Plus, come back later to view recordings of presentations you missed. Connect with attendees and take advantage of networking opportunities on the innovative platform.
What if I feel unwell while I’m at the conference?
Please do not come to the conference meeting space if you develop symptoms associated with COVID-19, which include fever, cough, shortness of breath, among others. If you begin experiencing symptoms at any time, alert the conference organizers immediately and self-quarantine. You can e-mail the conference coordinators at knewsome@smithers.com. Your conference registration will allow you to attend livestream sessions online, so you can participate virtually. If you develop symptoms while at the conference, the nearest medical facility is Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 250 East Erie, Chicago, IL 60611 Emergency Department: 312-926-2000.
Will organizers test all attendees and staff for COVID-19 before they can enter an event?
CDC does not recommend testing all attendees and staff before allowing them to enter. Testing all event attendees and staff for COVID-19 before allowing them to enter the venue has not been systematically studied. It is unknown if entry testing at event venues provides any additional reduction in person-to-person transmission of the virus beyond what would be expected with other preventive measures (such as social distancing, wearing cloth face coverings, hand washing, enhanced cleaning and disinfection).
CDC does recommend conducting health checks such as temperature screening and/or symptom checking of staff and attendees safely and respectfully, and in accordance with any applicable privacy laws and regulations.
Additional resources discussing health and safety protocols:
Additional resources from the CDC:
