California Update: Meetings up to 5k beginning June 15

Editor's note: ALHI will continue to monitor and report on the status of meetings and gatherings in California. 

California is aiming to fully reopen its economy according to the Beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy from the California Department of Public Health released April 6.  Industries across the state that were previously held to tiered restrictions based on public health benchmarks can return to usual operations beginning June 15 with common-sense risk reduction measures such as masking and vaccinations. 

On June 15, California will fully open its economy if two criteria are met:

1. Equitable vaccine availability: If vaccine supply is sufficient for Californians 16 years or older who wish to be inoculated.
2. Consistently low burden of disease: Hospitalizations are stable and low, and specifically, hospitalizations among fully vaccinated individuals are low.

What does this mean for meetings and conventions? 

According to the blueprint, beginning June 15, meetings and conventions of up to 5,000 persons can take place without restrictions. Events larger than 5,000 may require testing or vaccination status be verified for all attendees until October 1. The colored tier system of restrictions will no longer apply after June 15.

"This is great news, as it allows meeting planners to actually look ahead and plan into the fall for events in California," said Mike Dominguez, President and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International.

What else do we need to know?

• According to the blueprint, vaccinations will be required for convention attendees coming from international destinations will be required to be fully vaccinated.
• More detail can be found in the memo issued by the California Department of Public Health.

Contact your ALHI GSO for more conversations about planning meetings & events at an independent, luxury hotel or resort in California.