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November 9, 2021
Re: What’s New with the 106th Annual Conference
Dear Local Officials:
We are now just one week away from meeting again, in person, at the League’s Annual Conference. I hope that you all are looking forward to the Conference as much as we are. It’s been two years since our last in-person Conference and so much as changed–no one could have foreseen what 2020 and 2021 would hold.
I write today to give you some updates on the Conference. It will look familiar in many ways, but we have made a number of subtle, and maybe not so subtle, changes this year, some of which we hope are only necessary for 2021. While it remains to be seen if we approach or reach the attendance of past years, we appreciate the support from the League membership, session speakers, and our exhibitors in making the 106th Conference a success.
On September 29 the League announced in an update to the health and safety policy that a mask requirement and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test would be required for attendance. We made our plans and updated them accordingly as it became abundantly clear that for large-scale conferences such as ours, these policies would be necessary for 2021.
Let me acknowledge that some are unable or unwilling to attend this event due to heath issues and continued concerns resulting from the COVID pandemic. And we are also cognizant that some philosophically disagree with the implementation of the health protocols discussed below. We respect our members equally, and hope that all respect that these decisions were made as part of effort to present the best possible event that could be held in 2021. I think we all share the same hope that 2022 will allow a return to normalcy. For those who choose not to attend this year, I hope to see you next year at the 107th Annual Conference.
Registration
As part of our planning and to offset one-time costs associated with the purchase of PPE and other measures, we initially announced a $30 surcharge for those registering on site. However, the League has been contacted by many members with newly elected officials who will take office in January and would like to attend the event. We agree that it is not fair to add a surcharge to those who would not be expected to register before an election, so the League is now waiving the onsite surcharge for anyone registering onsite in Atlantic City. Thus, the registration rates will stay as follows for all attendees:
Health Protocols
Vaccine verification will be held at the Convention Center, as detailed below. In addition, the League has set up vaccination check-in stands in/near the lobbies of the Borgata, Caesars, Hard Rock, and Tropicana during the following peak hours:
Tuesday, November 16: 12 Noon-4 p.m.
Wednesday, November 17: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
The hotel vaccination checks will be located at:
Borgata: Located at the front entrance and near shuttle pick up.
Caesars. Located in the lobby and registration area. The desks will be opposite the front registration area and before the walkway. You will need to take to go downstairs to board the shuttle to the Convention Center.
Hard Rock: Located near the registration desk, opposite Bell Services and VIP check in.
Tropicana: Located in the lobby.
Throughout Conference business hours, you can also check-in in the atrium of the Atlantic City Convention Center. Verification Check-in will be located to the left as you enter from the shuttle bus area. If you enter from the parking garage, it will be to the right.
For verification check-in, please have your badge, or other photo ID if you don’t yet have your badge, and your proof of vaccination or negative test (within 72 hours) out and ready to go to streamline the process. You will receive an official verification sticker. Please attach it to the top right corner of your badge.
Once verified, you will not need to do so again for the duration of the Conference. Every effort is being made to make this process effective and efficient, and to keep the lines moving in as timely a manner as is possible
If you do not have proof of vaccination or a negative test, you will then have the option of on-site rapid testing will also be available at the following times in the Atlantic City Convention Center:
Tuesday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.-12 noon
For testing, participants will be asked to provide insurance information, but individuals will not be charged under any circumstance. Results will only be verified and not retained by the League. The testing will be located at the far end of the atrium. If you come in from the shuttle bus area, it will be to the far right down by door 1. If you arrive through the parking garage, it will be to the far left.
Ticketed Events
The League conference will again feature a handful of ticketed events, including:
Annual Mayor's Box Luncheon
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Time: 12 noon-1:45 p.m.
Location: Sheraton Hotel, Crown Ballroom
Cost: $25 per person
Note: The Mayor's Box Luncheon tickets are limited to the mayor and two guests of the mayor's choosing.
Women in Municipal Government Networking & Award Event
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Time: 5:15 p.m.
Location: Sheraton Hotel, Pearl Ballroom
Cost: $30 per person
League Delegates Luncheon
Date: Thursday, November 18, 2021
Time: 12 noon-1:30 p.m.
Location: Sheraton Hotel, Crown Ballroom
Cost: $40 per person
Invited Keynote: Governor Phil Murphy
Reservations are currently being taken online for these three events with payment due on site.
Reserved tickets will be available for pick up at the Atlantic City Convention Center, second-level, left of Hall C.
What Else is New for 2021?
Upon your arrival at the Atlantic City Convention Center, you will notice some changes. The exhibit floorplan is different. We have added one entrance (Hall D) and pushed back the first row of exhibits 10 feet. The addition of space from Hall D is new this year, and effectively expands the footprint of the exhibit floor. This should allow more room and space on the floor and less congestion. View the full list of exhibitors on the interactive floorplan.
Our session schedule has changed to four 75-minute quadrants to allow for more time in between sessions, which should reduce pedestrian congestion on the 3rd and 4th floors and allow you more time to visit the exhibit floor.
I would also like to bring to your attention the Code of Conduct in place for Conference participants. This policy is indeed as important as the health and safety policy noted above. The Code of Conduct was initially put in place for the 2020 Conference, which was pivoted to a virtual conference due to the pandemic. The League is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all of its members and has a zero tolerance policy for harassment or inappropriate behavior. We particularly call your attention to this policy.
Once again, we are looking forward to the 106th Annual Conference and hope you can join us. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at mcerra@njlm.org. You can also review the Conference website or review the FAQ page on the Conference. I also strongly suggested downloading and using the League Conference Smart phone, which will have the most current information and will reflect any updates in real time.
Very truly yours,
Mike Cerra,
Executive Director
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