ASHA and the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center have implemented many practices and protocols to ensure that we have created a comfortable, safety-conscious environment for everyone. Our goal is to help you feel confident about participating at the in-person ASHA Convention in New Orleans.

Vaccination and Masking Requirements

Proof of full vaccination is required for all able and eligible individuals to register for the in-person ASHA Convention this year. We anticipate that the CDC may update its vaccination guidelines to include booster doses, therefore, we strongly encourage proof of a booster as well. (Verify your vaccination through CrowdPass.)

Unvaccinated individuals may register, however, a negative PCR/molecular or antigen test administered onsite at the ASHA Convention will be required for participation. Registrant badges will not be mailed in advance to unvaccinated individuals; badges may only be picked up onsite after testing negative.

We strongly recommend that everyone who is able and eligible, regardless of their vaccination status, wear a mask while participating in all ASHA Convention activities. This policy is subject to change as we approach the event date and the pandemic continues to evolve, so please be prepared to wear a mask if required.

Read the full Vaccination and Masking Policy.

COVID-19 Testing Room

Tuesday, November 15
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 16
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 17
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Friday, November 18
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 19
7:00 a.m. –  noon

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, First Floor, Hall E Foyer

We will have a designated room where COVID-19 rapid tests will be administered onsite by health professionals. Unvaccinated attendees must check-in and test negative at the testing room before they can proceed to Registration to pick up their badge. The initial test required for people who declined to provide proof of vaccination is provided at no cost.

Reduced-cost COVID-19 tests will be available to all attendees in our onsite testing room for anyone who wishes to take a test during the ASHA Convention. Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should go immediately to the testing room. We encourage everyone to test themselves before, during and after the ASHA Convention.  

Facility Cleaning and Sanitation

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has earned the Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s® GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation, which defines international standards for sanitation, disinfection, and hygiene. They are using cutting-edge cleaning techniques to prevent infection. Regular environmental testing will be performed by sampling high-touch surfaces throughout the building using a Hygiena SystemSURE Plus Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) that ensures a safe environment for all of our guests, clients and employees.

Additional preventative measures have been implemented to ensure the health and safety of all guests: 

• All public surfaces in high-traffic areas such as door handles, elevator buttons, and escalator hand rails will be sanitized with anti-viral disinfectant every two hours by cleaning staff.
• All surfaces in restrooms will be sanitized with an anti-viral disinfectant on an hourly basis by cleaning staff.
• High-traffic surfaces in meeting rooms will be sanitized with an anti-viral disinfectant between sessions.
• Tables and chairs in eating areas are spaced to allow for social distancing during meals and disinfected on a regular basis.
• Plexiglass partitions are installed in food and beverage areas to protect staff and guests.
• Individually sealed and packaged disposable utensils and condiments will be provided.
• Hand sanitizing stations have been placed throughout lobbies, meeting room corridors and other high-traffic public areas.

Learn more about the Convention Center’s health and safety guidelines and initiatives.

A Few Reminders and Tips

• There are many doors around the Convention Center that lead outside. You can easily pop out from almost any corner to remove your mask and get a breath of fresh air.
• “Physical distancing” means maintaining at least 6 feet from another person who is not from your household or work/travel group.
• Even though it's always great to see colleauges and friends again, please try to minimize handshaking, hugging, or other close person-to-person contact.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Choose a mask that
  • is made of at least 2 layers of breathable fabric or hospital-grade material;
  • fully covers the nose, nostrils, and mouth;
  • fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; and
  • has a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out the top.

Read more about CDC mask recommendations and guidelines.