COVID-19 statement

REGISTER for the ACP/CMA Town Hall meeting to discuss the new requirements.
It’s at  5 p.m. CT Aug. 16.

Aug. 12, 2021

The Fall National College Media Convention, Oct. 14-17, 2021, at the New Orleans Sheraton, remains scheduled as a live event.

Associated Collegiate Press and College Media Association, the convention’s sponsors, are steadfast in their commitment to the safety of the student journalists, educators and sponsors who plan to attend the convention. 

The associations have announced new protective measures for the on-site convention — proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test, as well as masking and social distancing to be enforced at the convention.

The policy aligns with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s Aug. 12 announcement of vaccination/negative test requirements for the city’s restaurants, bars and other venues, including Caesars Superdome.

To attend the convention, you must use the convention’s registration platform to upload visual proof of vaccination or a negative result to a COVID-19 test dated Oct. 11-14, within 72 hours preceding the start of the convention.

The vaccination image may be a photo of your completed vaccination card, or it may be an image of vaccination verification from a healthcare provider, educational institution or vaccination passport service or app, such as Common Pass. 

On this image, your name and test result/QR code must be clearly visible, and it must be uploaded to the registration system prior to your travel. No materials will be accepted on site.

This information will be managed only by convention registration officials, with strict adherence to privacy protocols.

ACP executive director Laura Widmer and ACP membership coordinator Ashley Tilley have completed COVID-19 compliance training.

It will be the responsibility of participating schools to organize the required information. If no proof of vaccination or negative test result is provided, attendance will be refused, and no refund will be provided.

Your safety at the convention is our priority. After your online registration, you will receive an email with the convention’s code of conduct, which demonstrates your commitment to our safety protocols on site, including wearing masks and maintaining social distance. You must read, approve and submit the code before registration closes Oct. 4.

No on-site registration will be offered as part of our safety protocols. Register and submit your materials on our registration platform, and read, approve and submit the code of conduct when you receive it. Hotel reservations may be canceled within 72 hours of your room reservation.

Immediately prior to the convention, if you have been exposed to COVID-19, if you are in COVID-19-related isolation, or if you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not travel to the convention. Please take care of yourself and get the medical attention that you need, for your safety and the safety of others.

ACP and CMA officials will continue to monitor the pandemic, including national, state and local guidelines and requirements. If the live convention is converted to a virtual convention, your registration fees for the live convention will be applied to registration for the virtual convention.

Get more convention information and updates at the convention site, collegemediaconvention.org. 

ACP/CMA
Town Hall

Aug. 16, 5 p.m. CT
ACP/CMA Town Hall meeting on the fall convention.
REGISTER

Key dates

Aug. 17
Registration opens at collegemedia
convention.org. 

Sept. 24, 11:59 p.m. CT
Early-bird registration rates end.

Sept. 27
Room block at the New Orleans Sheraton closes. The hotel cancellation date is 72 hours prior to your room reservation.

Oct. 4, 11:59 p.m. CT
Registration closes, and code of conduct submitted.

Oct. 11-14
Negative COVID-19 test time period for upload to the convention registration platform.