Association Events

In the beginning of September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that it found flu activity had increased in the United States as compared to the previous weeks. Nearly all of the influenza viruses found were 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses, or, as you and I more commonly know it, the swine flu.

As the Department of Health and Human Services prepares to release upwards of 50 million doses of a new vaccines for H1N1, the meeting industry is taking precautions of its own. In fact, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) recently released a recommendation to its global membership that called for the "temporary suspension of a timeless tradition that is the basis of greetings and agreements in western civilization—the handshake." That suspension would be in effect until the H1N1 influence virus threat has been reduced to the status of a common cold.

"We have been told that the best way to impede the spread of the H1N1 flu virus is to repeatedly wash our hands, especially after touching our faces, or coming into contact with someone else’s face or hand," ACTE Executive Director Susan Gurley said in a statement. "A random polling of ACTE members has revealed it would be easier to drop the traditional handshake for the duration of the health crisis—should one develop—as opposed to sneezing or coughing into a sleeve."

Meanwhile, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) recently released "H1N1 Influenza Management in Hotels," a guide for lodging businesses to use in managing H1N1 influenza viruses at their properties. In addition to basic sanitation practices, the guide outlines advice for employees and guests who have the H1N1 flu or other strains.

After all, being informed about the flu is one of the best ways to be prepared, according to AH&LA President and CEO Joseph A. McInerney.

"Leadership in a crisis depends on information, and this guide will help fill in the blanks about what to do," McInerney said.

Meeting planners as well as hotels can learn more about H1N1 and download the manual at AH&LA's website.