The Safety Protocols for the 2022 National Arts and Crafts Conference

by Bruce Johnson and Kate Nixon

 

The 35th National Arts and Crafts Conference at the Omni Grove Park Inn is three months away; on February 18^th through the 20th, the annual conference and Arts & Crafts shows will return to the destination hotel, known for its cozy atmosphere and its use of the Arts & Crafts interiors and handcrafted furniture since 1913.  While the conference provides an opportunity for attendees to see educational seminars and engage in discussion sessions, the yearly shows provide the opportunity for antique dealers and contemporary craftsfirms from across the country to connect with collectors looking for furniture, metalwork, art pottery and ceramic works, textiles, art and prints and more.

While excitement is ramping up for the return of the conference. the health concerns that collectors, conference attendees and show shoppers face at an in-person event are still a reality. In response to widespread concern of the upcoming winter season, we here at the office of the National Arts and Crafts Conference have released on our website, Arts-CraftsConference.com, a brief message about the latest information on protocols for the 2022 show and conference events on mask wearing, distancing and more.

Currently, the Omni Grove Park Inn and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners require masks to be worn at indoor events, a precaution that all must follow during the Conference weekend when they are inside the hotel. The National Arts and Crafts Conference will provide a mask for those without one. Hand sanitizer stations will also be placed throughout the hotel.

Furthermore, social distancing will be observed wherever possible during exhibitor shows, seminars, discussion groups, pre-conference workshops, and all conference indoor activity. With respect to this policy, chairs, booths, and tables in conference indoor spaces will be distanced further than previous years.

As for the hotel, additional hotel staff will be frequently sanitizing high-touch surface. For more on the specific processes the Omni Grove Park Inn will use for both visitors and guests staying at the hotel, please visit the official website of the Grove Park Inn (link https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park)

At this time, vaccination proof is not required for entrance into the conference or shows. However, should it be deemed necessary by the Omni Grove Park Inn and/or the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners or the state of North Carolina, the proof requirement will go into effect.

We at the office of the National Arts and Crafts Conference continue to monitor all Covid-related developments on a daily basis and we will be following all precautions and protocols in place by the management of the Omni Grove Park Inn, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, and the State of North Carolina.

At this time, we do appreciate everyone’s patience in this matter.

 

For additional monthly updates, please visit Arts-CraftsConference.com for updates about our policy and schedule of events.