Boston COVID-19 Information
ABAI’s priority is always the safety of our members. Please know we are closely monitoring CDC guidelines and local recommendations to ensure attendees have a safe and productive in-person convention experience.
Guidelines and recommendations change quickly. We recommend double checking all local guidelines, especially regarding testing requirements, a week before your planned departure.
Vaccination and Masking Requirements
Updated October 22, 2021
At this time, in accordance with city of Boston regulations, we are not requiring proof of vaccination to attend the convention. We understand the importance of everyone’s safety and will pay close attention to all CDC/city of Boston updates and immediately announce any changes to this policy.
As of Friday, August 27, the city of Boston has an indoor mask mandate in place which requires that masks are always worn at all indoor venues unless actively eating or drinking. Regardless of vaccination status, all attendees and staff will be required to wear masks while indoors for the duration of the convention. If attendees forget their mask at home, ABAI will have free masks available at registration. Sanitizing stations will also be available throughout the venue.
Guidelines and recommendations change quickly, and we will continually evaluate these policies to ensure we provide the safest possible convention experience for attendees and staff.
We recommend double checking all local guidelines, especially regarding testing requirements, a week before your planned departure. Please read carefully below as you plan your trip to Boston.
Traveling to Boston
Updated September 2, 2021
Domestic Travel
Boston follows the CDC guidelines for traveling. Currently, city businesses are fully open to the public; some may require masks to enter.
Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and bus or train stations. Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of a conveyance (like on open deck areas of a ferry or the uncovered top deck of a bus).
International Travel
Boston follows the CDC guidelines for international travel. Currently, city businesses are fully open to the public; some may require masks to enter.
Before Arriving in the United States
All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months, before they board a flight to the United States.
After Travel
Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel. Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel.
Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required for vaccinates and unvaccinated individuals on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of a conveyance (like on open deck areas of a ferry or the uncovered top deck of a bus).
Boston is COVID-19 Ready
As of Friday, August 27, the city of Boston has an indoor mask mandate in place. This does require that masks are always worn at all indoor venues unless actively eating or drinking. This mandate went into effect to combat the Delta variant spread. An end date to this mandate has not been announced, but as with all matters of the pandemic, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority will continue to monitor all city, state, and CDC guidelines.
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC)
The BCEC follows the guidelines from the CDC and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for HVAC usage, including:
- Increasing air exchanges to maximum mechanical capabilities
- Maximizing outside air supply through units
- Increasing exhaust air to the atmosphere
- Utilizing the highest rated Merv Factor Filter
- Extending hours of operations to garner increased volumes
- Increased cleaning and sanitation of all areas with new cleaning technology electrostatic sprayers and EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectants that disinfect surfaces in 60 seconds.
Please review additional details here and their “Back to Business” document here.
The Westin Boston Seaport District
In compliance with the City of Boston announcement, there is currently an indoor mask mandate in all areas of the hotel. The hotel has increased the number of public area attendants who work to clean and sanitize our public areas and restrooms. They have hand sanitizer stations located throughout the hotel and meeting room space. They also installed plexiglass shields at the front desk check-in areas and in Starbucks which serve to create a protective barrier between guests and associates. Whenever possible the hotel uses “sneeze guard” shields on buffet stations. They continue to maintain the highest standards when it comes to cleanliness and safety for all guests. Please review additional details here.
Omni Boston Hotel at The Seaport
Please review here their safe and clean measures, including cancelation policies during the pandemic.