These are the rules for the 2022 Conference. Rules for 2023 will be similar, but may be varied to change.
For the 2022 Tastemaker Conference in Chicago March 3-4, we will be following all local and statewide Covid Policies which are subject to change. To keep up with Illinois policies refer to this website, for all local Chicago policies refer to this website. We will continue to update this page when new information is released or additional details are needed.
Requirements
– Tastemaker Conference is following state and local guidelines and regulations for Chicago, IL.
– Masks are required to be worn indoors, as well as proof of vaccination for indoor events, where food is served.
– We are also requiring that you provide a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the event, 72 hours prior for international travelers only.
– We are still encouraging masks to be worn inside since it is such a large event. It is not required, but highly suggested for the event and the safety of others. Our team will still be masked in the main areas, walking around, etc. and taking them off just to eat.
– Additional safety measures are in place, such as hand sanitizer stations, boxed meals, and appropriate food demo protocols. Working together to follow these guidelines will allow for a safe and fun event.
Thank you for your support in making this happen!
What is needed at Registration?
At registration, attendees will need to show:
1) Valid photo ID
2) Vaccination Card – Proof of Vaccination
3) Proof of Negative Covid Test
What is proof of vaccination?
One of the following:
– Vaccination Card
– Photocopy of vaccination card
– Digital record or app
– Printed record from vaccine provider
What is considered fully vaccinated?
– 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
– 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
Deadlines for Vaccines
In following Chicago’s mandate, the timeline for each vaccine would be:
Pfizer-BioNTech
– Last date to get first dose: January 27, 2022
– Last date to get second dose: February 17, 2022
Moderna
– Last date to get first dose: January 20, 2022
– Last date to get second dose: February 17, 2022
Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
– Last date to get vaccine (only one dose): February 17, 2022
What is a vaccination card?
CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or an official immunization record from the jurisdiction, state, or country where the vaccine was administered or a digital or physical photo of such a card or record, reflecting the person’s name, vaccine brand, and dates administered.
Additionally, individuals over the age of 16 will need to provide identification with the same identifying information as the proof of vaccination.
How do we show proof of a test?
1) You can have a medically administered test 48 hours prior (March 1) or 72 hours prior for international travelers only. Show proof of testing at registration with your ID and vaccine card.
OR
2) You can have a home rapid test self-administered 48 hours prior or 72 hours prior for international travelers only. You will need to take a photo of the negative test with a date and timestamp (timestamps are visible in the photos app at the top of the screen). Show this photo at registration with your ID and vaccine card.
*For medical exemptions, a COVID-19 test must be administered by a medical professional within the last 72 hours prior to entering a covered location.
Where can I get a rapid test?
US citizens can order home tests in advance from USPS for free. Please use this link and send some to your home in advance of the conference. Use it within the timeframe necessary for admittance.
If you are unable to do that, one convenient option is the Center of COVID Control. The Center of COVID Control does not require appointments or insurance. A full list of locations can be found on their website. The closest locations to McCormick Place Convention Center are:
FREE Rapid & PCR Testing Chinatown
2252 S. Canal, Suite 216, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA
(312) 900-5276
0.88 miles away
FREE Rapid & PCR Testing Chicago Loop
231 S. State St, Chicago, IL, 60604, USA
(312) 210-7404
1.93 miles away
Additional Information:
– Free Rapid Antigen Test: Results within 15 minutes
– Free RT-PCR COVID Test: Results emailed within 48 hours
– Expedited RT-PCR COVID Test ($100): Results emailed at 9:00 am the following day
What should I do if I have symptoms, but tested negative?
The CDC recommends that if you have symptoms, you should stay home or at your hotel.
What if I need a test to return back to my country?
Many hotels have these available, so please contact your hotel to see if they have those available. Also, the Inspired Home Show will have these available as well.
From their website: Rapid antigen and PCR testing will be available onsite at The Inspired Home Show so that international visitors can test in advance of returning to their home country, creating an easy and effective way for international attendees to adhere to travel policies.
Are vaccine exemptions allowed in Chicago, Illinois?
Individuals who have previously received a medical or religious exemption, provided such patrons provide the covered entity proof of the medical or religious exemption. They must also have a COVID-19 test administered by a medical professional within the last 72 hours prior to entering a covered location. Read more about exemptions here.
Need to sell, buy, or transfer a ticket?
We are currently sold out of tickets, but you can join our waitlist here. Or you can purchase or sell your ticket on the Transfer Tickets Topic Board on the Tastemaker Collaborative. February 15 is the last day to transfer tickets. That applies to transferring it to another member OR transferring your ticket to next year’s conference.
Who is required to follow these rules?
All attendees, speakers, sponsors, and staff members who are attending.
What are the rules for the Inspired Home Show?
You can read all of their rules and regulations over on their website, theinspiredhomeshow.com/covid-19-updates.
