The ISHI team has been working diligently behind the scenes to prepare for ISHI 32. After many discussions, we are happy to announce that we are planning to hold the conference in person this year at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort from September 13-16, 2021. If the situation changes so it becomes unsafe to hold an in person meeting, we will offer a virtual alternative. We’ve updated our Frequently Asked Questions page and recommend bookmarking it, as the document will evolve as the situation allows.
We recognize that ISHI may look a little different this year due to social distancing and safety measures during the pandemic. For the time being, we will be limiting attendance at this year’s conference to 500 people. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will be adding people to a waitlist once we’ve reached capacity. Please limit registrations to five people per organization to allow for a wide variety of representation until further notice. This year, we will be waiving cancelation fees, but ask that you cancel with as much advance notice as possible so that we can allow those on a waitlist a chance to register.
Below are answers to some of the questions we have received. If you have a specific question, please reach out to Sharon Zelanka for clarification.
What changes have been made to minimize risk at ISHI?
ISHI staff are taking steps to minimize physical touchpoints this year, including a contactless registration where scanning your phone will initiate badge printing. Badges will be printed on a plastic material to allow for an embedded tracking. This will allow us to quickly monitor the number of people in the general sessions, workshops, and the exhibit hall. When you register, you will be asked to opt-in to this tracking and share your contact information with conference organizers. Those participating in workshops must opt-in to tracking to ensure that only those registered are in attendance.
Disney has implemented deep-cleaning and disinfecting practices across their resorts and parks according to the guidance of health authorities including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The general sessions ballroom and exhibit hall will be sanitized daily, so please make sure to remove all personal materials as you leave the room.
We recommend reviewing Disney’s Health Acknowledgement prior to leaving for ISHI to read the latest advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to Florida.
*Please note – a Disney waiver MUST be signed prior to you attending any ISHI functions. Late and on-site registration may delay your ability to attend ISH functions.
Will masks be required?
Face coverings are required for all attendees/exhibitors (even those who have been previously infected or vaccinated), except when eating. Guests not properly wearing an approved face covering will be asked to leave.
What is considered an approved face covering?
All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:
- Be made with at least two layers of breathable material
- Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters and open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings. Costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules. The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.
Guests not properly wearing an approved face covering will be asked to leave. If you do not have a mask available, one will be provided to you.
What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?
If you experience symptoms of, are under self-quarantine orders, or have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus prior to leaving for ISHI, please do not attend the meeting. Similarly, please stay home if you have come into contact with someone who suspects or has confirmed they have contracted the virus and you have not completed a 14-day quarantine period. We will refund any registration fees paid.
If you have already arrived at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and experience symptoms, you will not be allowed to attend ISHI functions. We ask that you separate yourself from other attendees until you are able to return home and to refrain from using shared transportation.
Will sanitation stations be available at ISHI 32?
Yes, we will have multiple sanitation stations available. In addition, we encourage you to practice good hygiene while at ISHI including; regularly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds throughout the day with warm water and soap (specifically before eating), covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding touching your face (including your mouth, ears, eyes, and nose).
Will social distancing be required?
You should follow social distancing recommendations while participating in all ISHI events, including networking and meal functions. Please stay 6 feet away from others whenever possible. Seating during workshops, general session presentations, and mealtimes will be spaced to accommodate.
Have changes been made to the exhibit hall?
Due to social distancing guidelines, and in accordance with IAEE guidelines, the conference venue will be limiting the number of exhibit staff and visitors allowed in the booth at one time. Facilitating engagement between vendors and attendees is important to us so we have enlarged our standard booth size to be 10’x15’. We encourage you to take advantage of the Connect exhibitor listings to begin conversations and view collateral virtually.
What steps is Disney taking to ensure safety in their hotel?
Common areas and meeting spaces will receive increased cleaning. Extra attention will be given to high-traffic areas, such as public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms and more.
Housekeeping services have been modified at Disney Resort hotels to promote enhanced cleaning and reduced contact. Prior to your arrival, rooms will undergo thorough cleaning—with attention to:
- Door Handles, Pulls and Knobs including dresser, door, drapes and furniture
- Light Switches and Controls including lamps, switches and other controls
- Closet Amenities such as in-room safe, iron and ironing board
- Beverage Area including coffee maker, condiments, cutlery and wrapped cups
- Bathroom Fixtures and Surfaces including shower/tub, toiletry dispensers, toilet, faucets and hard surfaces
- Bathroom Amenities such as hair dryer, make up mirrors and wrapped cups
- Thermostat and Electric Controls 8. Bedding including all linens and blankets
- Electronic Devices such as TV and entertainment system controls, phone, key pad and handset
- Hard Surfaces and Tables including work surfaces and all flooring
- Cleaned & Wrapped Amenities
During your stay, your room will receive a light cleaning service every other day, which will include removal of trash and used towels, replenishment of towels and amenities throughout the room and bathroom, wiping and cleaning of the vanity and counter surfaces and vacuuming if needed.
You can also choose to decline every-other-day cleaning service.
Please note that Disney staff reserves the right to enter any room for maintenance, safety, security or any other purpose, even if the Room Occupied sign is displayed on the room door.
For more details on this and other cleaning measures during you and your attendees’ stay, please visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/resorts/.
Will temperature screenings be implemented?
Attendees may be required to undergo temperature screenings with no-touch thermometers before entry to some locations, including, the Walt Disney World® theme parks, the Disney Springs® area and table-service restaurants at Disney Resort hotels.
Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures 100.4 F (38 C) or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either.
We appreciate your patience as we work to ensure the safety of all of our attendees and exhibitors and look forward to seeing you in Florida, even if it may look a little different than we’re used to.
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