Safe Meetings and Reopening FAQs

We look forward to seeing you here in San Diego! We reopened for event activity more than a year ago, in August 2021. This page will continue to be updated based on public health guidance.

 

Masks & Face Coverings

Are masks required inside the San Diego Convention Center?

Please check with the organizer of the event you are attending. As of March 1, 2022, the State of California is no longer requiring masks. Individual event organizers may choose to require masks/face coverings.

See CDPH's overview and Q&A for details.

Attendance

What are the COVID-19 requirements for large meetings and conventions?

If you are attending an event, please check with the event organizer about anticipated protocols.

California is now recommending (but not requiring) protocols such as indoor masking. On April 1, 2022, the State's requirement for vaccine verification or proof of negative test was lifted and moved to a strong recommendation. 

See CDPH guidance for events.

Vaccination Guidelines

What is the definition of "fully vaccinated"?

People are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19: two weeks or more after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or two weeks or more after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson [J&J]/Janssen). 

See CDPH Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Persons for additional information.

Vaccinations & Testing Logistics

What is acceptable verification of vaccination?

Per CDPH guidance, the following are acceptable as proof of full vaccination: 

  • Vaccination card (which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided and date last dose administered); OR 
  • Photo of a vaccination card as a separate document; OR 
  • Photo of the attendee's vaccine card stored on a phone or electronic device; OR 
  • Documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider; OR
  • Digital record that includes a QR code that when scanned by a SMART Health Card reader displays to the reader client name, date of birth, vaccine dates and vaccine type; OR
  • Documentation of vaccination from other contracted employers who follow these vaccination records guidelines and standards.


Additional Health & Safety Protocols

How has the San Diego Convention Center enhanced its cleaning and ventilation protocols in advance of reopening?

In 2020 and early 2021, we worked closely with City, County, and Federal public health officials to support a healthy environment for emergency response efforts in our building during the pandemic. With their guidance, we enhanced our cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention protocols, and conducted extensive employee training. 

Our systems are carefully managed to provide the appropriate amount of indoor air circulation and proper outside makeup air. We have also installed additional hand sanitizer stations and hygiene reminder signage throughout the building.

Our food and beverage team earned an additional hygiene verification label, Rise SAFE, that is specifically for catering operations. Rise SAFE is managed by Sodexo and Bureau Veritas, an independent world leader in testing, inspection, and certification.

Travel

Are people outside of California allowed to travel to be here?

There aren't restrictions on traveling to San Diego or California from other states in the United States. See California’s current travel recommendations and Visit California’s FAQs.

Destination: San Diego

Is San Diego hospitality staff (e.g., those at restaurants, hotels, and attractions) required to be vaccinated prior to coming back to work? What about those working conventions?

In San Diego County, 90% of the eligible population (over 6 months) has had at least one vaccine dose and approximately 80% are fully vaccinated. The San Diego Convention Center has provided several opportunities for employees to be vaccinated onsite. Additional employee and business partner protocols will be determined based on ongoing data and consultation with health officials.

There is no State mandate for all hospitality and event employees to be vaccinated. San Diego’s hospitality industry has implemented best-in-class safety protocols, including enhanced cleaning and staff training, and have been successfully hosting leisure guests since last summer.

San Diego Convention Center Logo Sails Elements Without Text

  • San Diego Convention Center
    111 W Harbor Drive
    San Diego, CA 92101
  • 619.525.5000