We are very excited to welcome you to Boston! The American Political Science Association and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) are committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and well-supported environment throughout the APSA Annual Meeting.
By attending the APSA Annual Meeting, you agree to follow any health-related protocols in effect from local, state, or federal authorities at the time of the event.
COVID-19 Policy
While proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required to enter the United States, APSA strongly encourages all attendees to be up to date on vaccinations prior to the meeting. APSA reserves the right to implement additional health and safety measures should public health conditions warrant them closer to the event.
Public Safety & Emergency Response
In 2021, the Hynes Convention Center became the first convention center to be SAFETY Act Certified by the Department of Homeland Security.
The MCCA Public Safety Team is dedicated to delivering excellent customer service while keeping attendees safe and comfortable throughout the event. Public safety officers are on duty 24/7, and all officers are CPR certified and trained to respond to a wide range of emergency situations. For emergency first aid, the Public Safety Team is trained in bleeding control, and AED defibrillators and bleeding control kits are situated in public areas on each floor of the Hynes.
State-of-the-art command and coordination centers at the Hynes Convention Center serve as a central link between event staff and all MCCA departments, providing continuous facilities monitoring, digital CCTV services, access control systems, and direct access to first responders.
The MCCA maintains strong working relationships with city, state, and federal authorities, as well as local police, fire, and EMS teams, ensuring fast and appropriate responses to any incidents at the Hynes Convention Center. In the event of a major emergency, the 24/7 Command Center communicates directly with the Boston Police Department, the Boston Fire Department, the Boston Emergency Medical Service, and the Massachusetts State Police, who can dispatch the appropriate assistance.
Maintaining a Clean & Comfortable Meeting Environment
The MCCA is committed to maintaining a clean, comfortable, and well-ventilated environment throughout the APSA Annual Meeting. Cleaning services follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and teams work continuously to keep public spaces clean and well maintained.
At the Hynes Convention Center, advanced cleaning methods are used, including electrostatic sprayers and EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectants that quickly disinfect high-touch surfaces. During the meeting, complimentary cleaning services will be provided in all common areas, including restrooms.
In addition to cleaning, the Hynes Convention Center’s ventilation system is designed to support healthy indoor air quality. The facility uses MERV 13 filtration and follows guidance from the CDC and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to promote airflow and air circulation throughout the building, including increased air exchanges, greater use of outside air, and extended HVAC operating hours.
Face Masks
Complimentary face masks will be available at the Registration Desk for any attendee who wishes to wear one during the conference.
Prohibited Items
Please review the MCCA Prohibited Items Policy prior to attending the APSA Annual Meeting.
Lost & Found
The MCCA Public Safety property claim area is located in the Command Center at the Hynes Convention Center and is open during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), as well as during all event times).
To arrange pickup of a claimed item, please contact the Hynes Command Center at (617) 954-2111 or submit a Lost & Found Claim Form. If your lost item matches an item that has been turned in, Hynes staff will contact you directly. To improve the likelihood of a match, we recommend including a photo of your item when submitting the claim form.
Additional Onsite Health & Safety Measures
Please be sure to review the following health & safety measures prior to attending the Annual Meeting.
- All Annual Meeting attendees must wear their official conference badge at all times while in APSA meeting spaces. APSA reserves the right to deny entry to any individual without a visible badge.
- Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the meeting areas, and attendees are strongly encouraged to wash their hands frequently.
- An EMT will be onsite during conference hours from Thursday through Sunday morning.
- Attendees are encouraged to self-assess for symptoms each morning before coming to the meeting. If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend Annual Meeting events.
- If you test positive for any illness while onsite, please remain in your hotel room, contact your healthcare provider, and review the CDC’s guidelines to prevent the spread of illness.
- After the meeting, attendees should continue to monitor for any emerging symptoms. If you develop signs of illness, please contact your healthcare provider and consult the relevant CDC or WHO guidance.
Travel & Transportation Safety
Attendees traveling to and around Boston may find the following public safety and health resources helpful:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Public safety information for Boston Logan International Airport is available through Massport, including details on airport security, emergency services, and traveler assistance.
- Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): The MBTA has implemented a number of initiatives to support rider safety and cleanliness across the transit system, including:
- Complimentary face masks available at select stations
- Daily disinfection of all vehicles, including buses, subway cars, trolleys, commuter rail coaches, ferries, and RIDE vehicles
- Multiple cleanings per day for buses
- Hand sanitizer dispensers, disinfectant wipes, and cleaning sprays available at stations and facilities
Other Resources