Turnaround Management Association (TMA Global) COVID- 19
Event Delivery Guidelines
Updated March, 2021
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, TMA Global has been asked for guidance regarding the return to in person events and programs. The following recommendations should be considered by TMA Global chapters where in person events and programs are being considered.
TMA Global is not requiring, requesting or prohibiting chapters to hold live events for the foreseeable future. Each chapter should make its own determination based upon the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and your state and local governments and adhere to those protocols. The following are suggested guidelines and TMA Global strongly recommends adherence to them to slow the spread of COVID-19. These guidelines are based on a synthesis of various sources and do not guarantee the prevention of the contraction or spread of COVID-19 or other communicable diseases. As the vaccine rollout continues and protocols change, we will update these guidelines accordingly.
Communication to TMA Members
- Waiver. As part of all event registration materials, it should be made clear that attendance by all individuals, including Chapter Executives and Administrators, and their respective employees, at any event constitutes a waiver indicating that they are attending a chapter sponsored event at their own risk, and that neither the venue, organizer, nor any attendees are responsible if they contract COVID-19 or any other communicable disease around the time of the event.
- Each individual is required to check their own temperature prior to coming to a program or event and should not attend if they have a fever.
- Do not attend if exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19.
- Practice CDC recommended preventative measures at all times (i.e., proper hand washing, wearing a cloth face mask in public, and avoiding potential cross contamination).
- All individuals in attendance at a live public event or program shall wear masks if required to do so pursuant to venue, local, and/or state rules.
- For educational programs, panelists and presenters must wear a mask or maintain six feet of distance from attendees.
- Coughing or signs of symptoms. Should you start coughing uncontrollably or exhibit other symptoms, regardless of results of previous testing, you will be asked to leave the program or event.
- Flexible refund policies for participants. It is recommended that chapters issue a flexible refund policy for those that can need to stay home because they are sick, need to care for sick household members, or are at high risk for complications from COVID-19.
Event Facility
- Separate registration and event areas. Chapter/event facility must establish a separate nearby area at the event site for registration, outside of the main event space. Registration must be nearby but distinctly separate, some distance away with enough space to allow for social distancing while attendees are checking in.
- Provide COVID-19 prevention supplies to instructors and participants. Ensure that your events have supplies for attendees, such as hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, tissues, trash baskets, and cleaners and disinfectants.
- Event facility. Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects with detergent and water prior to disinfection, especially surfaces that are visibly dirty (ex: registration table).
- Public areas. All public areas should be configured to include wider aisles and orderly queues, where needed. If needed, mark the walkways as “one way.” Consult local jurisdiction and venue for further guidance on social distancing mandates and consideration.
- Swag: No open items. Pre-packaged, sealed, individualized boxes may be provided to attendees.
- Event organizers shall link to or provide copy of venue/facility protocols around COVID-19 preventive measures, if available.
Day of Provisions in the Event Space
- Disposable face masks
- Disposable gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes
Food Service
- If providing meals, chapter facilitates delivery of pre-packaged food for breakfast, breaks, and lunch.
- All food must be served as individual pre-packaged portions.
- Beverages will be served in bottles or cans; no self-serve beverages from dispensers and carafes.
Physical Distancing
- Chapters should determine appropriate event attendance based on CDC, state, and local recommendations.
- For educational presentations or panels, instructors and presenters must wear a mask or distance 6’ to nearest instructor, presenter or participant during a panel or presentation.
- Suggested event set up: table configurations to maintain 6’ distance.
- Parallel rectangular table set up – four tables spaced apart 6’ to accommodate a group of 4 attendees.
- T rectangular table set up can accommodate 3 to a group.
- U-shape set up can accommodate 3-5 to a group.
- Round table set up can accommodate 2 to a table group.
Communicating Recommendations to Members
- It is strongly urged that event guidelines adopted by a Chapter be included in all communications about a planned event.
- TMA Global will make these recommended guidelines available on its Global website. It is recommended that Chapters likewise publish the policies it adopts for its Chapter with a link to CDC and state and local recommended protocols.
- All communications should include a statement that TMA Global has provided recommended guidelines for Chapters to abide by, but is not responsible for, nor does it assume, any liability for decisions made by its individual Chapters, which are their own legal entities over which TMA Global has no control over these matters.
- All communications to members attending an in-person event should remind the member that (i) they are assuming their own risk when attending an event; (ii) that the Chapter is in no way responsible or liable for the health of the attendee; and (iii) that should an attendee subsequently become ill with COVID-19, that is shall assume no liability in connection with such illness.