2022 IBSC Annual Conference2022 IBSC Annual Conference 

St. Mark’s School of Texas
Dallas, Texas, United States
June 26 - 29 

Download the conference program (2 MB).

COVID-19 Information and Resources

Updated June 8, 2022.

As you plan to attend the 2022 IBSC Annual Conference at St. Mark’s School of Texas, please keep in mind the following:

  • IBSC strongly encourages all attendees to be fully vaccinated prior to participating in the in-person conference. A person is fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving all recommended doses in the primary series of their COVID-19 vaccination. A person is up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination if they have received all recommended doses in the primary series and one booster when eligible. At this time a second booster is not necessary to be considered up to date. 
  • Regardless of vaccination status, if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please check the most recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for isolation, testing, and mask-wearing protocols. Current CDC guidance states that an unvaccinated close contact would need to quarantine for five days following exposure, wear a well-fitting mask for 10 full days, and avoid travel for a full 10 days after they last had contract with someone with COVID-19. A fully vaccinated person would not need to quarantine. Isolation for a positive case of COVID-19 is five days from the start of symptoms or a positive PCR test. 
  • Currently, individuals are not required to wear masks during the conference, however this rule is subject to change. IBSC reserves the right to impose masking mandates if deemed necessary. 
  • During meals and breaks, we encourage attendees to eat outdoors. 
  • We strongly encourage all attendees to consider travel health insurance. In the event of an emergency, you would need to provide health insurance information. 
  • Testing will be offered on-site (during conference program dates only) 72 hours before departure for attendees who need a PCR test to return home. 
  • If you feel sick or experience COVID-19-like symptoms prior to traveling or while in Dallas, IBSC requests that you do no attend. Help keep our entire community healthy and safe.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19 during the conference, please check with your health-care provider to make sure you basic health and wellness needs are met. Please inform IBSC@theibsc.org and follow the CDC quarantine guidelines.

Please note: The COVID-19 situation in the United States remains fluid. We continue to monitor developments that may impact attendees of the 2022 IBSC Annual Conference and follow CDC guidelines for quarantine and isolation. To safeguard conference attendees and staff and mitigate risk, we will continue to update the safety precautions outlined here as guidance evolves. Please check this page regularly leading up to the conference.

Starting June 12, 2022, the United States no longer requires a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country. Proof of vaccination for noncitizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. For more information, see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.

St. Mark's School of Texas offers COVID-19 testing at the conference for anyone who needs testing for diagnostics or for travel. Simply book a test online with the provider. St. Mark’s will pay for diagnostic testing on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. If you want a PCR test on Wednesday, you must pay for it individually.

Schedule a COVID-19 Test

What has St. Mark’s School of Texas done to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on campus? 
During summer 2020, St. Mark’s School of Texas upgraded all air filters on campus to MERV-13, a standard used for hospitals, surgery, and health-care facilities. The school also installed touchless fixtures across campus, including new water fountains with bottle fillers, lavatories, and sinks. You’ll find hand sanitizer stations in every classroom and in public spaces across campus. All upgrades were performed with guidance from the CDC, Texas Education Agency, Dallas County Health and Human Services, and other public health resources.

 

Does IBSC require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination for all attendees? 
No. IBSC strongly encourages all attendees to be fully vaccinated prior to participating in the in-person conference. A person is fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving all recommended doses in the primary series of their COVID-19 vaccination. A person is up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination if they have received all recommended doses in the primary series and one booster when eligible. At this time a second booster is not necessary to be considered up to date.

 

Does IBSC require attendees to show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test result?
No. IBSC strongly encourages all attendees to be fully vaccinated prior to participating in the in-person conference. A person is fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving all recommended doses in the primary series of their COVID-19 vaccination. A person is up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination if they have received all recommended doses in the primary series and one booster when eligible. At this time a second booster is not necessary to be considered up to date.
 

Does IBSC require masks at the conference?
Currently, masks are not required. IBSC reserves the right to impose masking mandates at the event if circumstances change. Masks will be available on-site if you need one.  

 

Will IBSC provide masks on-site? Hand sanitizer?
Masks will be available on-site if you need one. You can access hand-sanitizing stations throughout the conference space.
 

Are there testing centers at or near the conference?
If you feel unwell or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please contact the information center onsite for assistance. PCR testing is readily available in Dallas, with results usually available in 24 hours or less. St. Mark’s staff can help attendees facilitate a test.

If you test positive for COVID-19 during the conference, plan to quarantine according to CDC guidelines. You should also advise IBSC@theibsc.org of your situation.

 

What protocols does the Omni Dallas Hotel have in place?
You can find those at https://www.omnihotels.com/omni-safe-and-clean.