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FAQ on COVID-19 Contingency Plans for AG21

SIAM Conference on Applied Algebraic Geometry (AG21) is scheduled for August 16-20, 2021 at Texas A&M University in the Blocker/Mitchell building. We know the immediate future of in-person conferences is currently not clear. Please read the below FAQ about how you can plan accordingly for AG21. Learn more about the conference, including deadlineshere.

  1. It is unclear at this time if conference travel will be back to normal by August of 2021. What is the status of the conference?

    SIAM intends to hold AG21 as a hybrid or 100% virtual conference.

  2. If the event is held virtually, or if I attend virtually, will there be a registration fee?

    Yes, there will be a fee for participating remotely in a virtual or hybrid conference, but modified to reflect the change in modality. Registration fees will be posted in early June 2021..

  3. Suppose SIAM AG21 runs in the hybrid format. It’s likely we’ll still have to consider social distancing. What will be done in each concurrent session to ensure that this is observed? Some of the rooms can be pretty small and get pretty full.

    SIAM will work with local organizers to provide clear information and guidance to conference attendees and will make room adjustments as necessary to minimize the impact of social distancing measures on technical sessions.

  4. What does SIAM plan to do differently for a hybrid AG21 for those who attend in person, given COVID-related concerns?

    SIAM will work with local partners to ensure that all local, state, and federal guidelines regarding social distancing, personal protective equipment, and other measures to minimize the probability of viral transmission are fully observed. This may include adjustments to room capacity and seating patterns and adjustments to service such as coffee breaks. SIAM will work with the conference co-chairs to ensure that any adjustments made necessary by these measures do not negatively affect attendees.

  5. When will SIAM know/make final decisions regarding virtual versus hybrid format for the meeting?

    SIAM expects to make a final decision on format by May 2021.

  6. Will SIAM post a recommended/required contact tracing application?

    At this point, SIAM is not advocating for or against the use of a contact tracing application.

  7. What happens to sponsor funds if the conference changes format?

    In cases of conference format changes, SIAM opens a dialog with sponsors to find alternative opportunities that would achieve their sponsorship goals. If no such opportunity can be found and the sponsorship agreement does not address the contingency, the sponsor will be released from the commitment.
  1. If the event is held on site, how can I still participate if I don’t feel comfortable attending in person, e.g., if I or a family member is immunocompromised?

    An online platform will be available that allows remote participation.  If circumstances allow CSE21 to be held as a hybrid conference, then self-isolation out of concern for contracting COVID-19 is covered by the Modified Policy on Remote Presentations available on SIAM’s COVID-19 response page.
  1. If the event is held on site, how can I still participate if I don’t feel comfortable attending in person, e.g., if I or a family member is immunocompromised?

    An online platform will be available that allows remote participation.  If circumstances allow CSE21 to be held as a hybrid conference, then self-isolation out of concern for contracting COVID-19 is covered by the Modified Policy on Remote Presentations available on SIAM’s COVID-19 response page.
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