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Welcome to the 2021 FAST Forward Together Global Gala!
We have enjoyed our time together these past few days both in person and virtually. We look forward to more frequent opportunities for connecting in 2022. We are honored to serve this amazing community who has made FAST, the research we fund, and the therapeutic pipeline we are robustly developing a reality for all individuals living with Angelman syndrome (AS). It is because of you that we are able to stand firmly in our mission, to find a cure. You are the reason we could execute upon so many incredible initiatives like the pre-clinical infrastructure at UC Davis, launching a biotech company like GeneTx Biotherapeutics, singularly focused on developing an antisense oligonucleotide for Angelman syndrome, sparking the collaborative efforts of a global scientific community through the International Angelman Syndrome Research Council (INSYNC-AS), providing a world-wide 24/7 Emergency Care Hotline for families in crisis that need the support of physician experts, the Newborn Screening Panel that helps identify infants with Angelman syndrome before symptoms arise, and expanding the scope of the Angelman Syndrome Biomarker and Outcome Measure Consortium (ABOM) so that we can work aggressively and collaboratively, in the most pre-competitive way, with our foundational, academic, industry and scientific partners in order to advance the most meaningful and sensitive endpoints to be used in clinical trials. With your continued generosity and support, we are accelerating our Roadmap for a C.U.R.E.AS We won’t stop until we have the most meaningful and transformative treatments for every single individual living with AS, around the globe. Thank you for continuing to believe in FAST. We work hard for you every day with tremendous pride in all that has been accomplished and with anticipation of the most amazing, new opportunities that lie ahead.

Summit & Gala  COVID-19 Protocol

FAST is excited to reunite the Angelman community at the 2021 Science Summit & Gala in Austin, TX from December 3 to 4, 2021. The safety of our community is our top priority. We have been adapting our plans based on new and evolving information through the recommendations of Travis County, the state of Texas and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We have put important measures in place to ensure the health and safety of our attendees during this event.

Before you arrive

  • If you feel sick, please stay home. Please refer to the CDC’s COVID-19 Self-Checker reference guide to assess any symptoms you may be experiencing.
  • Check your flight and travel arrangements. Each airline and transportation provider has outlined their own restrictions for the health and safety of travelers.
  • Ensure you have met the required health and safety requirements. All who participate in any capacity must provide the following:
    • proof of a negative COVID-19 test result* AND
    • proof of full vaccination**
  • Individuals under the age of 12-years-old will require a negative COVID-19 test only to accommodate for current vaccination age restrictions.
  • Submit necessary documentation, such as negative test results and proof of full vaccination, to the registration portal.
  • Have your digital or print registration confirmation ready when you arrive – the more prepared you are, the faster entry will be. Upon check-in, you will receive a waiver to complete before registering for the event.
  • Before the event, we will conduct inspections to ensure the venue is safe, clean and ready for the event. 

Arriving at the Science Summit & Gala

  • We ask that you fully comply with applicable CDC COVID-19 health and safety measures and protocols for attendance at the event.
  • Have you completed a daily self-assessment, and are you symptom-free? If you feel sick, please stay home. You can refer to the CDC’s COVID-19 Self-Checker reference guide for any questions on symptoms by clicking here.
  • Social distancing requirements will be in compliance with the venue/facility guidelines.

Inside the event

  • Given the surge in cases due to the Delta variant, masks are required to be worn by all individuals, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. Individuals with Angelman syndrome will not be required to wear a mask.
  • Please follow all recommended health and safety measures, including washing your hands often, covering your cough or sneeze and staying home if you are sick. We will have sanitation stations located throughout the venue.
  • Daily disinfecting will take place to sanitize all seating, restrooms and frequently touched public areas.
  • Sanitation stations will be located throughout the event in public spaces, foyers and meeting spaces.

Local Health & Safety Information

Ride Share Health & Safety Messaging

 

Other Resources

Please note that each individual airline has outlined their own mandates. Each guest should check with their respective airline for COVID-19 protocols.

We are continuously monitoring recommendations from local health authorities and the CDC for essential large group meetings and events, and anticipate that changes will be made between now and December. We recommend that our attendees continue to review local and venue mandates and protocols frequently for the latest updates on occupancy levels, PPE & wearing masks, social distancing, cleaning protocols and other important information.

*Attendees must submit their test results to the registration portal prior to arrival. The only accepted COVID-19 tests are either PCR (also called diagnostic or molecular) or rapid antigen test (frequently referred to as “rapid test”). The tests must be conducted by a lab and within 72 hours prior to arrival at the Summit & Gala. 

**For unvaccinated individuals with medical exemptions, a doctor’s letter with written medical exemption will be accepted in lieu of vaccination. For individuals that have tested positive within 90 days of the Summit and Gala, a positive antibody test can be submitted in lieu of vaccination. Only vaccines authorized and recommended by the Centers for Disease and Prevention for use in the United States can be used as proof of vaccination. The date of the second dose of a two-dose vaccination (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty) should be on or before November 18, 2021. The date of single dose vaccination (Johnson & Johnson) should be on or before November 18, 2021. Although it isn’t recommended, the CDC recognizes there are unique circumstances in which individuals have received different vaccines. Those individuals are considered fully vaccinated.