SFWC FAQ: How will the San Francisco Writers Conference be changed by Covid?
By Lissa Provost
Nobody can avoid pandemic disruptions to their usual way of doing things. We have been disrupted in numerous ways.
- Vaccination proof or evidence of a negative Covid test (within 48 hours) will be required for everyone involved: attendees, speakers, volunteers, guests, everyone. While there is no government mandate for this requirement or masking, individual businesses can still require it of you, as we do. We will ask for it when you go to registration to get your name badge and won’t give you a badge without it. This may also be required to dine in the city, so keep it handy.
- We have arranged with the California Department of Public Health to provide free rapid antigen testing onsite. Those who need it should come early as the test takes at least 15 minutes to process. If you are vaccinated and have any symptoms (even if you’re pretty sure they’re just allergies), please request a free test to confirm. Those coming to the free public events on Friday and Saturday evenings will have the same requirements as paid attendees.
- Masks must be worn indoors except when seated for dining. We know that most people have their preferred mask, but sometimes a backup is necessary. We will have a supply of surgical masks for anyone who needs one.
- The hotel has maximized its airflow and changed its protocol for replacing filters based on consultations with experts. If you’re sensitive, this may feel different to you. A sweater may be advisable. We won’t know until we feel it ourselves. They will also be frequently cleaning high-touch surfaces, and they have changed how they offer water and pens/notepads/mints in the breakout rooms. Hand sanitizer will be available in every meeting room.
- The way we use space has been changed to allow for social distancing. Your program will have maps and a schedule. Signage gets placed throughout the meeting levels, and volunteers can also direct you.
- We’re trying to keep each track to one room, so attendees have less need to change rooms through the breakouts. Rooms will be arranged in a classroom setup with narrow tables to space everyone out a bit more.
- We are recording every session. Not multi-camera big production recordings, but discreet one-camera recordings similar to what you’d see with an online event. All recorded sessions will be available to all registered attendees for no additional cost, so if a room looks too full for your comfort, or you wake up with a fever and have to stay home, you can still watch the recordings.
- There may be a plexiglass shield between you and any consultant you meet one-on-one with. While not required by local health officials, we are making these available for consultants with elevated levels of concern. Community transmission is elevated right now. While the majority of the population is protected, there are still those with compromised immunity or an increased risk of allergic reaction who cannot get vaccinated. We want to protect them and allow them to participate so you can benefit from their expertise.
- Signups for free consultations are moving online. Paid consultations and master class signups moved online a few years ago, and it’s made for a more peaceful process. It also eliminates a lot of close proximity talking and touching papers, clipboards, and pens. The links are sent in your attendee information email after you register.
E.A. (Lissa) Provost is the author and illustrator of Diary of E.A.Provost/Diary of that Weird Girl and Love, Joy, & Pees, illustrated poetry books that celebrate family life for its beauty and messiness. To clear up some of that messiness she designed Maggie’s Planner. She is the founder of the cooperative publisher, New Alexandria Creative Group. In her spare time, she is also the San Francisco Writers Conference Director of Operations Poetry Summit Coordinator.
Sounds good!