The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) has added a hybrid option to its annual conference scheduled to take place in Boston October 27-29, as many medical conferences see lower in-person attendance due to concerns about COVID-19.
In a September 17 email, ASCP said it had decided to move forward with the annual conference as a hybrid event, with both in-person and virtual attendance options.
"We have determined that we can safely bring together our mandatory vaccinated attendees with strong protocols in place," the ASCP noted. "The safety and wellbeing of all meeting participants will be of the utmost importance as we are excited to bring everyone back together in-person for the first time in two years."
ASCP said its education program will "largely continue as planned." A few sessions will be led by faculty who will be speaking virtually, but each session will have moderators in attendance in person. Attendees on-site in Boston will be able to present questions to virtual speakers over a mobile app.
ASCP went on to note that vaccination for COVID-19 is required for all in-person attendees, as well as exhibitors and guests. Negative COVID-19 tests will not be accepted in lieu of vaccination. Masks will also be required indoors during the conference.
