VSS22 Health & Safety Considerations
Live connections and interpersonal exchange are elemental to the human experience, part of the backbone of doing business and the building blocks of the unique in-person experience that makes the Virginia Solar Summit an event of such an uncommon caliber.
What can we say? We know how to get together and get things done while having fun.
Though the pandemic appears to be pivoting into its final phase as the omicron variant spreads far and wide this winter, we are preparing to take substantial measures to enhance the health & safety settings at the 2022 Virginia Solar Summit this spring.
Thank you for your continued support as we endeavor to deliver another world-class conference experience, and for your commitment to keep our staff , your fellow attendees, and the City of Richmond in highest and best health.
We look forward to safely seeing you in Richmond April 26, 27 and 28 with some of the following precautions and considerations in place:
OVERSIZED SPACE
Per State of Virginia guidelines for indoor venues, the big and beautiful Altria Theater is able to host 100% capacity events, however, we are electing to reduce the seating capacity in the Altria Theater significantly. By limiting the number of tickets sold, the amount of floor space and volume of indoor air space available to each attendee will be increased.
So, when many hundreds of VSS22 attendees gather in the expansive architectural wonder of the Altria Theater, we will comfortably fit in its many spaces, including numerous areas in addition to the theater itself and the Grand Ballroom. VSS22 attendees will have access to numerous lounges and parlors, some for taking private conversations and phone calls, and others to serve as ‘study hall’ quiet zones should urgent work emerge.
The historic and restored Altria Theater is blessed with a legacy of built-in beauty and includes breathtaking lobbies and neat window niches, featuring Middle Eastern inspired architecture with robust geometric tile work and rich color throughout. Conveniently located on each level of the Altria Theater, these smaller, specific spaces will provide 2022 Virginia Solar Summit attendees with ample mixed use space to ex into whenever the need should arise, whatever that need may be.
OUTDOOR OPTIONALITY
The venues hosting the 2022 Virginia Solar Summit were chosen with fresh air in mind. Spring will be upon us when we convene April 26, 27 and 28 and Richmond’s fair sunshine and sweet air will be available at each VSS22 venue, pre and post, weather permitting. And, depending on public health advisories at that time, we may exercise maximum outdoor optionality. At the primary venue, the Altria Theater, it is possible to host one or more of the active networking events in the adjacent Monroe Park, including the fast-paced, face-to-face round-robin forum known as the Solar Exchange. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, after all, and Covid seems to be no exception to the old adage.
PRECAUTIONS & PPE
In addition to excellent and expansive on-site spaces, we’re working with the staff at every VSS22 venue to make health and safety a top priority. And thanks to the generosity of our Official Health & Safety sponsor, VSS22 will be providing on-site testing, face masks and hand sanitizer to every attendee at registration and making them available throughout the event as staff focuses on maintaining on site cleanliness. In addition to on site testing, we will also have the ability to take temperatures of any attendee feeling poorly or potentially fever-stricken.
REFUNDS & RESERVES
Tickets to attend the 2022 Virginia Solar Summit are refundable in advance of the event. If you are not feeling well or showing any symptoms that morning, please notify us and stay home. If you cannot attend, but don’t want to miss accessing the official event Knowledge Binder or any other attendee-only collateral, you may also elect to reserve or ‘bank’ your ticket for the next Virginia Solar Summit. Reserving your place in the next VSS not only grants access to any and all 2022 attendee materials, but locks in this year’s prices for next year’s event as well. So, please stay home if you aren’t feeling well safe in the knowledge that you will remain plugged into the Virginia Solar Summit community!
VACCINATIONS & NEGATIVE TESTS
Please understand that this is a complex issue and policy could change at any time. And please note that government mandates, venue protocols and event requirements are subject to change. Please be sure to check back for the latest information.
Government mandates currently do not require attendees to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test in order to attend events at indoor entertainment venues such as the Altria Theater, but we ask that you acquire one or both in advance in consideration of your fellow attendees and will rely, in large part, on the honor and professionalism of our highly intelligent, passionate and engaged community of professionals to safeguard our community’s highest and best health.
We will keep you updated via social media and our website if and when updates are available. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to us below.