Know Before You Go!

With the continuing Coronavirus crisis, MAS has had to make many changes to the traditional Annual Convention schedule to comply with guidelines and safety precautions issued by the Governor’s office and the Mississippi State Department of Health. Here is what you need to know.

If you are concerned about your health; have been sick with fever, cough, sneezing, loss of taste or smell; exposed to someone who has tested positive; or have any other concerns, please do not attend!

MAS is arranging for live video feed of the General Assembly speakers for those members who have underlying health issues, have been exposed or otherwise cannot attend in person. Information on how to access and view the live stream feed will be posted on MAS’ website.

Safety Precautions

The safety of our members, guests, vendors and staff is our highest priority. MAS staff have worked closely with the Mississippi Coast Convention Center (MCCC), the state Department of Health and others to create the safest environment possible. Some key safety features include:

  • By governor’s executive order, masks will be required to be worn in the Convention Center and other public venues. MAS will have disposable masks available for those who do not have a mask when entering the facility.
  • Thermal camera provided by Homeland Safety will be placed at the entrance doors to identify elevated body temperatures, along with touch-free thermometer checks.
  • Hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the Convention Center hallways and exhibit hall.
  • Attendees are asked to follow all social distancing guidelines.
  • Exhibit Hall will be fogged each night with industrial-strength cleaners. MCCC will operate with enhanced cleaning and sanitizing guidelines.

Registration

  • Registration will be separated into four separate areas: Counties A – H; Counties I – O; Counties P – Y; and Vendors.
  • Each registration counter will have clear vinyl dividers to protect attendees and volunteers.
  • Each attendee will sign a liability waiver before receiving name badge.

Agenda Changes

The General Assembly, MAS Membership Meeting and MASIT Membership Meeting will be held in Hall A to allow social distancing between attendees. General Assembly speakers will focus on governing during the continuing pandemic, various COVID-related resources available to counties, COVID-related challenges facing the upcoming November elections, and a legislative update focusing on federal and state pandemic legislation affecting counties.

Educational Breakout Sessions have been cancelled. Educational courses will be held in General Assembly room located on Hall A.

Spouses’ Painting Class, Bingo Tournament, Youth Water Park Outing and Nick Rutter Memorial Golf Tournament have been cancelled.

MAS Election of Officers and Committee Members will be conducted by paper ballot during the MAS Annual Membership Meeting at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 11 in Hall A.

MAS Annual Cookout will be held at the Convention Center, and not the Point Cadet Pavilion. This allows us to set up for all attendees and still maintain social distancing between tables and seats.

Other Things to Know

  • Exhibit Hall will have one-way flow on each aisle. Booths will be set up within capacity and social distancing requirements.
  • Meals will be served cafeteria-style (not buffet-style). Meals will be set up to the far-left side of the Exhibit Hall with serving tables, queue lines and seating areas set within social distancing requirements.

Click HERE to print the Know Before You Go Notice

Click HERE to view updated Tentative Agenda

Click HERE to download County Registration Form