Director's Note: Preparing for SLIG 2022 has been a bit like chasing a moving target. This blog post has been in draft mode for about two months now. Each time something seemed final, we were presented reasons to review and modify, reconsider or refine. In an effort to keep everyone as safe as possible, we have continually reviewed CDC guidelines and updated plans accordingly. In an effort to ensure that all special events met guidelines, many decisions were postponed until late October.
This is the first in a series announcing plans, policies, and special events for SLIG 2022.
It will definitely be a year for the history books.
We think you will be happy with the result. You still can't beat the quality of the education. And there will be plenty of the traditional "SLIG Experience," even if it is presented a bit uniquely.
Let's begin with how seating will work.
Plenty of elbow room is the theme for logistical designs this year. In accordance with CDC recommendations for indoor events, course capacities have been adjusted and classroom seating modified. Special events have been modified to ensure distancing, and room assignments modified to eliminate hallway crowding.
Before we get into the details, we need to offer a huge shout out to UGA, who approved our scaled-back plan earlier this year so we could be prepared for such a modification. And to the Hilton, who has made concessions to help us make this work. We sincerely appreciate the support!
What does this mean for SLIG 2022?
Let's start with orientation. In a normal year, we would meet in the Alpine Ballroom, set for about 400 people. We have a grand old time, hugging at the entrance, sitting cozily side by side while talking about how to make the SLIG experience a successful one, honoring the faculty with a stage parade one course at a time, and giving away door prizes. Not to be outdone, we follow this with a reception and entertainment. Naturally, we all exit through two double doors to a to medium-sized hallway, cheerfully pack ourselves into long crowded lines to get to the buffet, then crowd into the Grand Ballroom with eight to nine people per round and three to four per cocktail table to network and enjoy the food.
Not. This. Year.
This year we will begin in the Grand Ballroom. One location. No additional movement. Six-foot distancing in the foyer and entrance. More entrance and exit doors. Everyone wearing masks until the food is served. Rounds will be set for only three, and every other table will be rotated so that there is six feet between participants. Waiters will be wearing masks and food will be brought to the table.
Additional rooms will be utilized for overflow if needed, and the program Zoomed in. Those who are not comfortable coming to orientation, even under these circumstances, will be able to watch via Zoom this year.
The bonus for all this fuss? A catered meal - full entree, sides, and dessert. Unless, of course, you opt to attend via Zoom. We haven't yet figured out how to Zoom food.
Classrooms will be similarly distanced. While you won't be allowed to move your chair more closely to other participants, you will get an entire 6' x 18" table to yourself.
Each room will be supplied with hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, electronic wipes, and disposable straws so you can enjoy your favorite drink without taking off that very important mask.
Monday evening's plenary session will be held in the Alpine Ballroom. Chairs 6' apart. Again, we will utilize nearby rooms for overflow seating.
The downside? Laughter in close proximity to the speaker will be limited to 57. The upside? Laughter will regale nearby rooms as well. Wherever you sit, this will be one plenary session you won't want to miss (sorry, no spoilers; watch for the post).
Lest one misconstrue the meaning of these distancing efforts, please note that distancing in room sets is in addition to the wearing of masks, not in lieu of.
More about how that works in a separate post.
Here's to a safe and healthy SLIG 2022 educational experience!
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