<Revised Dec 28th, 2023>
No matter what rules we put into place, the numbers show that someone will arrive to Vanhoover Pony Expo while infected with COVID19 and other viruses. We cannot guarantee protection and recommend good personal practices. These rules apply to every attendee, staff member, panelist, DJ, and everyone else above kindergarten age.
As an indoor gathering within the province of BC and hosted in the Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport Richmond, we are required to abide by any BC COVID-19 Orders and Notices and the Federal Health Guidelines. At the time of this writing, there are currently no requirements issued towards events of our type regarding COVID19 or other health measures.
Our policies may change at any time without notice. These policies apply regardless of any changes to the official Orders and Notices, where permitted.
TL:DR
- All attendees, vendors, and staff must wear a mask in the vendors hall at all times
- We recommend wearing a high quality face covering at all times in all public areas and event space
- It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to be fully vaccinated and RECENTLY boosted with one of the updated COVID19 vaccines.
Masks required in Vendors Hall
Attendees in the vendors hall space are required to wear a disposable mask or respirator without a vent, or re-usable dual-layer mask, that fully covers the nose and mouth. Those unable to wear a mask are asked to wear a face shield that covers the nose and mouth.
Attendees are encouraged to wear a mask in all event space, public hotel spaces, and in room parties. There is no requirement to wear a mask in space other than the vendors hall.
Vendors hall visitors wearing costume masks with direct, uncovered paths from the wearer’s nose or mouth must also wear a face mask that fully covers the nose and mouth inside the costume mask.
Infants and children under Kindergarten age are not required to wear masks.
For masking guidelines, please refer to this site. The better the quality of mask or respirator you wear, the better you protect yourself and others around you from getting and spreading COVID19 and other viruses. Please consider buying and wearing higher quality masks such as KN95, CAN99, or similar masks, and avoid single layer cotton or fabric masks that absorb and trap liquid.
Symptoms
If you show any symptoms of being sick, such as a new cough, fever, chills, vomiting, runny nose, etc, you must not attend in person events at Vanhoover Pony Expo. Refunds will be available prior to having picked up your badge.
Vaccination
All attendees are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID19 with a recent booster (within 3 months) for the most effective protection against severe disease. Vaccination or previous recovery from infection will not prevent you from becoming infected at Vanhoover Pony Expo, but a recent vaccination with an updated vaccine (e.g. bivalent) has been said to give you the best protection against severe disease and hospitalization.
Social Distancing
Attendees are not required to socially distance in event space. Please respect if someone requests distancing.
Eating & Drinking
Eating and drinking is permitted in all event and hotel space in which the hotel permits it. Note that outside food should not be consumed in the hotel or hotel lobby and should be consumed prior to entering the hotel or in private space (hotel room, vehicle, etc).
Refunds
Due to the uncertain nature of Covid-19, if for any reason you are unable to attend Vanhoover Pony Expo, such as showing symptoms of Covid-19, unexpected travel restrictions, or safety concerns, you may transfer your membership to a spirit badge (which lets you get swag in the mail), or request a refund or credit for your pre-registration attendance. Contact registration with any requests before Jan 16th, 2024.