| November 06, 2020

FAQ on COVID-19 Contingency Plans for GD/SPM21

It appears unlikely that conference travel will be back to normal by the fall of 2021. Should I submit to GD/SPM21 or wait for more news?

SIAM intends to hold GD/SPM21 as an in-person, 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 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 posted in the spring of 2021.
Suppose SIAM GD/SPM21 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 session to ensure that this is observed? Some of the rooms can be pretty small and get pretty full.

Hotels, universities, 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. 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.
If GD/SPM21 is held as an in-person conference and I have concerns about traveling, will I be able to present remotely?
Yes.
When will SIAM know/make decisions regarding the on-site vs. virtual arrangements format for the meeting?

SIAM expects to have more information to share about the format of GD/SPM21 by early 2021.
If Davis has more cases of COVID-19 than other cities in the U.S., is it possible that GD/SPM21 will be held in a different city?

No other physical site will be considered for GD/SPM21. If Davis is not viable, GD/SPM21 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.