CITY OF SAN ANTONIO - Updated as of November 2, 2021 Page 1 of 7 - Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
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CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
Page 1 of 7
Updated as of November 2, 2021
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center – Reopening Plan
CONVENTION CENTER– REOPENING PLAN
Greetings,
The City of San Antonio (COSA) and the Convention and Sports Facilities
Department are pleased to have reopened our facility to our guests. Our number
one priority is the health and safety of our guests, employees, and the surrounding
community.
As of November 2, 2021, it is recommended that anyone entering the Convention Center wear a facial
covering.
The Convention Center and other city facilities will still observe 100% capacities with no social distancing
requirements at this time. There will also not be any temperature and symptom screenings prior to
entering our facilities. However, anyone experiencing symptoms should not enter.
Should your group and event wish to implement safety and health protocols (i.e., temperature checks, etc.)
above and beyond the City of San Antonio mandates, you are welcome to do so. Our goal is to make this
process as easy as we can for you, your leadership, attendees, and exhibitors. The many safety protocols
we have implemented into our operations will remain in perpetuity to enhance and maintain the safest
environment possible. As always, we will strive to keep you as informed as possible as conditions and
requirements change. Please reach out to your Event Manager to address any specific questions or
concerns and visit www.covid19.sanantonio.gov/home for the latest safety information. We remain
committed to ensuring the safety of all and look forward to seeing your smiling faces!
With warm regards,
Patricia Muzquiz Cantor
Director
Convention and Sports Facilities Department
Page 2 of 7
Updated as of November 2, 2021
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center – Reopening PlanCONVENTION CENTER – REOPENING PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. KEY PRIORITIES
2. BUILDING UPDATE
3. MARKETING PROGRAM
4. BUILDING SANITATION
5. BUILDING RETROFITTING
6. BUILDING INFORMATION
7. ON-SITE EXHIBITOR ENTRY PROCESS
8. HENRY B. GONZALEZ CONVENTION CENTER (HBGCC) PROTOCOLS
9. CONTACT TRACING
10. FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPERATIONS
11. SERVICE PROVIDERS
Page 3 of 7
Updated as of November 2, 2021
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center – Reopening PlanCONVENTION CENTER – REOPENING PLAN
KEY PRIORITIES WE WILL CONTINUE
• Protect People: create, revise, and implement daily processes and practices to protect employees,
guests, and contractors.
• Operational Productivity: continually improve performance, collaboration, and customer service.
BUILDING UPDATE:
As of November 2, 2021, it is recommended that anyone entering the Convention Center wear a facial
covering.
The Convention Center and other city facilities will still observe 100% capacities with no social distancing
requirements at this time. There will also not be any temperature and symptom screenings prior to
entering our facilities. However, anyone experiencing symptoms should not enter. We will continually
work with the COSA Health Department to provide updates as often as possible.
MARKETING PROGRAM
• The Convention Center and Visit San Antonio continue to collaborate on comprehensive marketing
programs. Our goal is to provide updated information to customers to ensure all are confident in
returning to our facility.
• We communicate our message to guests and staff through:
o Web sites for the Convention Center, the event and Visit San Antonio (VSA).
o Social Media Channels for the Convention Center, the event and VSA.
o In-house audio messaging system in front of house and common areas
BUILDING SANITATION
Accreditation and Training
The Convention Center is proud to have received recertification for the Global BioRisk
Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR Accreditation. GBAC is a division of International Supply
and Sanitary Association (ISSA), the worldwide cleaning association. This accreditation
program assesses cleaning and disinfection practices and infectious-disease prevention.
GBAC is an accreditation created for outbreak prevention, response and recovery
establishing requirements to control risks associated with infectious agents, such as the virus that
causes COVID.
Sanitizing
• All staff and contractors were trained on COVID-19 sanitation procedures. Contractors receive
updated information regarding new processes and procedures for consistent operations as
necessary.
• UV Lighting was installed on escalators and continually sanitizes handrails.
• The frequency of sanitizing was increased in all front and back of house spaces with an emphasis
on high touch point areas.
• Hand sanitizing stations and sanitizing wipes are located throughout the facility.
• Cleaning products are on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved list for use
against COVID-19 and staff follow product instructions.
Page 4 of 7
Updated as of November 2, 2021
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center – Reopening Plan• Our UV Light Robot is used to effectively disinfect areas.
• Doors may be propped open in some areas to minimize contact.
BUILDING RETROFITTING
Retrofit of Building
Touchless items were installed including auto flush valves, touchless faucets,
forearm door pulls, and light/power sensors.
• Automatic entry doors were also installed at our Main Lobby entrance.
• Plexi-glass/physical barriers may be present in selected areas.
Building Ventilation
• Our facilities’ air handler units currently operate at the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating,
and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommendation of 4-6 air exchanges per hour to dilute
contaminates. We meet or exceed this standard in all areas.
o Additional processes implemented to improve our indoor air quality steps include use of
MERV 13 & 15 higher performing air handler unit filters throughout the facility, adjusted
the dampers on our HVAC systems to bring in more outside air, increased unit run times
when the facility is occupied and ensure scheduled maintenance is performed on time
resulting in additional fresh and filtered air within the facility.
Services that Have Been Reinstated
• The usage of table linens and skirting
• Water fountain availability
• Water service using pitchers and glassware
• Individual brochures will be available at the Guest Services desk
BUILDING INFORMATION
The Convention Center remains at 100% capacity with no social distancing requirements at this time.
Should your group and event wish to implement safety and health protocols (i.e., temperature checks, etc.)
above and beyond the City of San Antonio mandates, you are welcome to do so. Please contact your Event
Manager to address any specific questions or concerns.
Setups
• Setups are at original capacities. The information is available on our website.
• Please contact your Event Manager for setup inquiries.
• Leased spaces will normally be sanitized in the morning prior to the start of the event and
when the event has ended each day.
• Disinfecting techniques include:
o Envirosan II disinfectant spray,
o Electrostatic Backpack Sprayers, and
o Electrostatic handheld foggers.
Exhibitor Diagrams
• Provide a copy of all diagrams to the Event Manager at least 45 days prior to the event for review.
Page 5 of 7
Updated as of November 2, 2021
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center – Reopening PlanON-SITE EXHIBITOR ENTRY PROCESS
• The Center Security Staff will conduct an entry process at the loading docks. Exhibitors and other
staff will be issued the appropriate color I.D. wristband of the day or identifying marker to be
visibly worn to indicate they have successfully completed security protocols at the loading dock.
• The exhibitor will be issued a temporary parking pass (approximately 20 minutes), that must be
displayed in the windshield of their vehicle. Security staff will record their name, phone number
and booth number in case they need to contact them for any reason.
HBGCC PROTOCOLS
HBGCC Employee and All Other Employee Protocols
Following are protocols followed by all HBGCC employees and all other employees working in our facility.
We will continually work with the Health Department to monitor and update the protocols.
• Employees who have had a positive COVID-19 test within the last 10 days will not be allowed to
enter the facility unless one of the following applies:
o There are no new or worsening symptoms, without a fever for 3 days, and have been at
least 10 days since symptoms first appeared as directed by the CDC
o If there are no symptoms, the employee may return to work 10 days from the test date
that yielded a positive result
• HBGCC employees with close contact to a known positive, will contact the COSA Human Resources
Department for further guidance.
• All other employees with close contact to a known positive are recommended to contact their
supervisor prior to reporting to work in the facility.
Guest Illness
• If a guest becomes ill during the event, it is recommended that the guest immediately go to the
First Aid location. If there is not a First Aid location, it is recommended that the guest immediately
contact the meeting planner or representative to report the illness and seek medical attention if
necessary.
• Prior to the event, guests should be reminded to avoid coming to the facility if experiencing COVID
symptoms.
Employee and All Other Employee Illness
• If a COSA employee becomes ill, the person is expected to contact their immediate supervisor and
seek medical attention, if necessary.
• If event personnel or an exhibitor becomes ill, it is recommended that they contact their supervisor
immediately seek medical attention, if necessary.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Convention Center employees will follow the current guidelines as directed by the City of San Antonio.
• Personal face coverings must be professional and not display any inappropriate wording, or logos
and should be safely worn and cleaned regularly.
Page 6 of 7
Updated as of November 2, 2021
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center – Reopening Plan• Contractor staff will be asked to follow our current City guidelines. Please check with your Event
Manager for the current guidelines.
Training
• Staff have been trained on stringent cleaning and hygiene protocols.
• Safe and appropriate usage of EPA certified cleaning products.
• Cleaning of high touch point surfaces in the building and within their work areas.
Sanitizing
• Managers ensure training manuals are updated so that appropriate protocols are in place.
• Hand sanitizing and wipe stations are available for staff usage in back-of-house areas.
• Staff sanitize their workspace, equipment, and City vehicles before and after each use.
Administrative Staff
• Remote work policies are in place and revised as necessary for staff whose job functions permit.
• Remote work schedules may continue for some staff.
o Staff will return to support on-site functions and services as necessary.
• Flexible work hours to lesson building occupancy have been considered.
• Staff is asked to remain at home when ill or when known exposure to COVID-19 has occurred.
• Staff will continue to have the option of virtual meetings in place of in-person meetings.
Operational Staff
• Staff are asked to remain at home when ill or when known exposure to COVID-19 has occurred.
• A freshly laundered uniform must be worn each day.
CONTACT TRACING
The COSA Health Department and Human Resources Department will perform contact tracing if symptoms
of COVID-19 are substantiated during an event and do everything possible to notify guests who may have
been in contact with the individual. It is important that meeting planners understand the importance of
recording and sharing registration names and information in the event contact tracing becomes necessary.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPERATIONS
The RK Culinary Group’s top priority and considerations will continue to be focused on the precautions,
sanitation, preparation, safety and appropriately servicing of guests.
SERVICE PROVIDERS
All service providers and contracted service providers have established new protocols and will provide them
upon request.
Page 7 of 7
Updated as of November 2, 2021
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