COVID-19 Protocol

COVID-19 Protocol

Last updated: 03/06/2022

This information is subject to change based on new and evolving COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations.

The PLA board of directors and staff prioritize the health and safety of PLA 2022 participants, including all attendees, exhibitors, speakers, volunteers and their registered guests. In order to attend PLA 2022 in St. Louis, MO, all participants will be required to:

  • Agree to the PLA COVID-19 Waiver of Liability when registering AND

  • Provide proof onsite at check-in of either:

    • 1) being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, OR
    • 2) a negative COVID-19 test result from no more than 72 hours prior to arrival onsite.

We also strongly recommend:

  • Getting a booster shot.

  • Using N-95s, KN-95s, or surgical masks - cloth masks have not been shown to be as effective at this time.

  • Bringing tests along should you become symptomatic onsite.

PLA will continue to work closely with the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch and event vendors to evaluate and refine protocols as local, state, federal and Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) recommendations and regulations evolve.

We ask all participants to do their part in contributing to the safety of this event by taking personal responsibility and remaining vigilant about their own health. If you are not feeling well or are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms, you should not attend.

If you start to feel ill onsite, quarantine immediately and notify PLA staff by calling 301-946-9475 x3 or texting 301-946-9475.


Frequently Asked Questions

How will vaccines/negative tests be verified?

Participants must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results along with matching photo ID at the PLA 2022 registration desk when checking-in for the event.

  • Proof of vaccination may include a physical vaccination card—or a photo of a complete vaccination card—that matches your ID and with your final dose dated at least 14 days prior to the event. The CDC considers people fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. For example, if you will be checking in for PLA 2022 on Sunday, March 6, you would need to have received your final vaccine dose by February 20, 2022.

    The CDC also strongly recommends getting a booster shot.

  • Valid test results from no more than 72 hours prior to PLA 2022 check-in must include patient name, type of test performed, provider name, collection date, result date, and result. Results may be in the form of an email or a printout. Self-administered, at-home rapid test results will not be accepted.

What kinds of tests results will be accepted?

Self-administered, at-home rapid tests will not be accepted. We will accept results from the following tests performed at a pharmacy or a healthcare provider within 72 hours of your arrival:

  • PCR test

  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Test—NAAT, e.g., PCR, RT-PCR, LAMP are all acceptable

  • Antigen test

Will masks be required?

​St. Louis no longer has a city-wide indoor mask mandate.

The CDC recommends wearing a mask based on COVID-19 community levels and your personal preference, informed by your personal level of risk / symptoms / exposure / preference.

How and when do I submit a waiver of liability?

Click here to review the PLA 2022 waiver of liability all participants will need to agree to when submitting their registrations online for PLA 2022.

Will there be additional protocols?

The following protocols will be in place at the Hyatt St. Louis at the Arch (a GBAC Certified hotel):

  • Hyatt banquet staff will wear masks and gloves during food service events.

  • Hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and signage will be placed throughout the hotel.

  • Guest rooms have individual systems and filtration - there is no cross ventilation between guest rooms.

  • Daily housekeeping (in guest room) is by request only.

  • All cleaning products are EPA approved – frequency of sanitation in meeting spaces, public space and restrooms has been increased.

As PLA continues to plan for PLA 2022 it will work closely with its event partners to follow all federal, state and local guidelines set for in-person gatherings as well as recommendations provided by the CDC. Updates to protocols will be posted to this site and are subject to change on short notice.

What is the cancellation policy for PLA 2022?

​Registration can be transferred to another person; the invoice for the new registration may be revised to reflect the new registrant’s membership status. Please contact info@publiclandsalliance.org to transfer your registration.

No refunds will be granted for requests made after January 31, 2022, and PLA will not reimburse any travel-related expenses to registrants. Please contact the airlines and hotels directly for any cancellations.

Will there be a virtual component to PLA 2022?

The PLA board and staff are excited about the safe-return to an in-person annual convention and trade show. PLA 2022 is being planned as an in-person event only.