Message from ASCE Texas Section President
Regarding Participant Safety Considerations
I am really excited about our upcoming annual conference,
CECON 2020
, taking place September 23-25 in San Marcos! We have an incredible line-up of keynote speakers from TxDOT, TWDB and IBM, panel discussions, and breakout sessions for this year’s event! The theme of CECON 2020 is
Envisioning the Future
. Although this theme was established last year, it couldn’t be more relevant during the situation facing us today. From planning, design, and management to implementation, business, and community, developing engineers who reach further by envisioning the future is key!
In case you’ve been wondering, we are still planning to meet in-person to safely learn, connect, and collaborate. After much research and consideration, the CECON Planning Committee and ASCE Texas Section leadership has made the decision to move forward with the conference. We feel it is more important than ever to continue providing members with valuable education and networking opportunities. We completely understand if you are unable to travel due to company restrictions or don’t quite feel comfortable attending in person this year. As an alternative registration option, live streaming keynote sessions and other virtual components are being considered, along with providing PDH credit. ASCE Texas Section will continue to provide updates and announcements at
www.TexasCECON.org
.
Please know that the CECON Planning Committee members are placing safety precautions at the forefront of our conference planning. The safety of our attendees and exhibitors is a top priority and of upmost importance. Precautions will be taken to offer a face-to-face event where you feel comfortable while adhering to COVID-19 safety procedures and guidelines.
To maintain social distancing, we will be limiting the CECON registration to 300 in-person attendees.
Please reference the
safety measures
provided to us by Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel and Conference Center. In addition, the CECON Planning Committee has outlined the following protocol to ensure everyone’s safety as an attendee and exhibitor:
- All attendees will be asked to maintain social distancing best practices.
- Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the event venue.
- All attendees will be required to wear a mask or other appropriate facial covering. Please feel free to bring your favorite face masks; disposable masks will be available if needed.
- Session rooms and activities will be arranged to accommodate social distancing guidelines and requirements.
- A contingency plan will be in place should the meeting be canceled due to governmental restrictions.
Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel and Conference Center has
over 72,000 square feet of meeting space
to allow for plenty of social distancing!
The Veramendi Ballroom alone, where the keynote presentations and panel discussions will be held, is 28,800 square feet (previously accommodating up to 3,000 guests).
Continue to stay safe and strong to serve those around you. I look forward to seeing all of you in a few months at CECON 2020 in San Marcos!
Susan K. Roth PE, PMP
ASCE Texas Section President 2020
