As the IPPS Annual Scientific Meeting approaches, we want to address any concerns you may be having as it relates to COVID-19 and the Delta variant. We are planning to hold an in-person meeting and are closely monitoring CDC updates and recommendations.

The meeting will follow CDC guidelines which means we will require masks, ask participants to practice social distancing, and ensure that hand sanitizer is available throughout the venue. We have also modified the roundtable format so that attendees can network with their masks on and eat lunch separately, in a socially distanced setting. A nice feature of our meeting app is that it can be used for communication between attendees during the meeting to avoid crowded gatherings. We encourage you to pre-register online and are looking into ways to modify on-site registration to follow social distancing guidelines.

The IPPS strongly encourages vaccination and there is ample time to receive both shots prior to the meeting. With a strong plan in place and the ability to make any necessary adjustments, we are confident that we can hold our meeting in-person. Please check our website regularly for updates. In the event we need to change the format of our meeting from an in-person to virtual, those who are registered will be offered a refund if they do not wish to attend virtually.

In challenging times, we want you to know that the IPPS is here to support you, your research, education, and clinical practice! The 2021 Annual Meeting is planned at an affordable venue with great outdoor access to Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

Sincerely,

Georgine Lamvu, MD
Chair of the IPPS Board