Coronavirus Resource / Policy Share

MDGFOA Statement on Safety Protocols for 2022 Winter Conference

(as of 02/17/2022)

Maryland GFOA is committed to the health and safety of our community, members, and staff, as well as following the direction and guidelines of our state and federal intuitions. Great care is being taken as we prepare for the 2022 Winter Conference to provide a safe, professional education environment for our attendees and sponsors.

We are monitoring all guidance related to COVID-19 and are taking precautionary measures to keep our attendees safe. We will work with the venue to increase sanitation and social distancing, in accordance with local requirements and CDC coronavirus recommendations.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski declared a local State of Emergency on December 27, 2021, requiring face coverings are required when indoors via this Health Order. Similarly, on January 7, 2022, Anne Arundel County issued an Order for Public Safety which mandates all persons over the age of two shall wear a face-covering in indoor public spaces and outdoor public spaces where physical distancing is not feasible. Though these mandates are no longer in place, MDGFOA strongly recommends wearing a mask while indoors.

MD GFOA In-Person Conference Safety Protocol

While the Maryland Government Finance Officers Association is taking measures to create a safe educational environment to allow you to voluntarily participate in our in-person conference, our protocols require participants to adhere to all recommendations and requirements implemented by state and local governments (as described above).

• To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Maryland Department of Health recommends the use of face coverings all persons over the age of two shall wear a face-covering in indoor public spaces, and in outdoor public spaces where physical distancing is not feasible.
• Only registered participants (attendees, exhibitors, speakers/moderators) and venue staff will be allowed in education rooms or networking areas.
• Social distancing in all areas of the venue is encouraged and recommended – room and space layouts will be optimized to facilitate distancing.
• Diligent hand hygiene is strongly recommended – hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the venue and MDGFOA ask that participants avoid handshakes and any physical touch.

Our existing refund policy will remain in place, allowing attendees to credit registration fees towards a future event or have a colleague attend in their place. No fees will be refunded back to participants.