SIAM Conference on Computational Science and Engineering (CSE21) is scheduled for March 1-5, 2021 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas. 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 CSE21. Learn more about the conference, including deadlines, here.
- It appears unlikely that conference travel will be back to normal by the spring of 2021. Should I submit to CSE21 or wait for more news?
SIAM intends to hold CSE21 as a hybrid or 100% virtual conference. You should submit your work under the expectation of having a mode of presentation that is as close as we can provide to the experience of an in-person SIAM conference.
- 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.
- 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. Registration fees will be set in the fall of 2020.
- Suppose SIAM CSE21 is able to run at least partially on site. It’s likely we’ll still have to consider social distancing. What will be done in each mini session to ensure that this is observed? Some of the rooms can be pretty small and get pretty full.
Hotels and convention centers are in the process of revising room capacities, seating plans, and service practices to reflect local, state, and federal guidelines around social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, and other measures to minimize the probability of viral transmission. The Forth Worth Convention Center’s plan is not yet available but the Omni Hotel’s is available here. SIAM will work with their local conference partners 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.
- What does SIAM plan to do differently for an in-person CSE21 than was done for in-person CSE19 given COVID-related concerns?
SIAM will work with the Fort Worth Convention Center and conference hotels 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.
- When will SIAM know/make decisions regarding the on-site vs. virtual arrangements format for the meeting?
Given concerns over the possibility of a second wave of infection in the fall of 2020, it is unlikely SIAM will have sufficient information to make a final decision regarding CSE21 until fall. We will establish a strike date for decisions regarding hybrid, 100% virtual, etc., as we learn more.
- If Fort Worth has more cases of COVID-19 than other cities in the U.S., is it possible that CSE21 will be held in a different city?
No other physical site will be considered for CSE21. If Fort Worth is not viable, CSE21 will be held virtually.
- 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.
- 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.