EduCon 2022 Health & Safety Update

Sherrif Karamat, President and Chief Executive Officer, PCMA at PCMA EduCon 2022. Image Courtesy of PCMA via YouTube

Over the last 20 years we have had numerous instances that threatened our way of life and the way we work, however none that has lasted as long as COVID-19. As I have said numerous times, as difficult as the pandemic has been on all of us and the tremendous loss of life, it may be a hard concept to think that the pandemic may have also happened for us. That is to say, our world will continue to have these pandemic-like occurrences and as businesses, as people and as communities we must be prepared to navigate a way forward where we are not completely caught off guard and left to react and, in many cases, lose our livelihoods.

At PCMA and CEMA, we believe that events can and must go on and we have a duty to ensure we can stage them in safe and healthy environments. As I personally promised, any event that PCMA holds will be fully transparent, so that all our members can benefit as you stage your own events.

PCMA’s EduCon 2022 was held in New Orleans July 5-8. With the vast evolution in vaccinations, medications and knowledge of the virus, we encouraged safety but did not require vaccinations and testing as we did with previous events. Our mid-year event proved that we can continue to meet safely, with the support of host partners, state and local government regulations and guidelines from health authorities.

As of today, PCMA has been notified of 24 positive cases out of a verified 613 in-person participants. All who have reported indicate mild symptoms. Through education, communication, and personal accountability we can all remain safe and at the same time lead our industry forward. 

If you have not yet reported a positive test result to PCMA, you may do so at events@pcma.org.

Thank you for your continued support of PCMA and commitment to the power of human connections.

Best regards,

–Sherrif Karamat, CAE
President & CEO, PCMA and CEMA