If you are thinking about hosting a holiday party for your company this year, but feel uncertain about it, this post is for you. Hundreds of holiday parties, both large and small- formal and informal, have taken place at The Salem Convention Center over the years. But these are strange and confusing times, and there are multiple factors to consider. On the one hand, holiday parties are a wonderful way to boost company morale, loyalty and improve comradery with your employees. And after nearly 2 years of quarantining, isolating, Zooming and Face-Timing - most of us are eager for some actual face-time (with masks, of course) with friends, co-workers, clients and family. But on the other hand, we understand that this is an uncertain time for everyone, so let's address the elephant in the room. What are we doing to keep our event attendees and staff safe? Our flexible and beautiful event spaces offer guests plenty of room to spread out and socially distance. In addition, we have put rigorous health and safety protocols recommended by Oregon health officials in place, so we can safely bring people back together. The protocols include 6-feet social distancing, mandatory face coverings, hand sanitizing stations throughout the facility, changes in our food & beverage operations, changes to exits & entrances, an advanced air filtration system, and more. Here is a list of what the Salem Convention Center is doing to keep event attendees and staff healthy and safe. Face Coverings are Required by Everyone. All visitors and employees of the Salem Convention Center must wear a mask or face covering while they are here. We understand this is a sensitive subject for some, but all Oregon businesses who reopen must follow statewide mask and face-covering guidelines. These guidelines are to protect yourself and others, and we ask that you respect the statewide mandate. Social Distancing is easy with our spacious rooms. Staff will work with you to make sure you have ample space to easily give you adequate social distancing. Advanced Air Filtration System. The Salem Convention Center has an air filtration system with MERV 13 Filters designed to to remove most airborne contaminants, including viruses. Hand Sanitizing Stations. We have installed sanitizing stations for your convenience throughout the facility. We encourage our guests to use them as often as needed to keep themselves and others safe. Enhancements in our Food & Beverage Operations. Our entire kitchen staff and servers have undergone extensive training to ensure we are all following the most current food service safety protocols to keep visitors healthy. To do this, we will offer both plated and served options, on buffets, pitchers of beverages, and coffee service. The Salem Convention Center catering staff has created unique served and boxed meal options for your convenience and safety. Enhanced Hygiene/Security Procedures. We have always been praised by public and event professionals for our “squeaky-clean” standards, so going above and beyond to keep our facility sanitized and safe for our guests is nothing new for us. The Salem Convention Center will have a designated staff member, whose sole purpose is to disinfect and clean all touch points as well as hourly restroom cleanings. Hybrid Events! The Salem Convention Center is only one of a handful of event facilities in Oregon that has the technology and resources to offer hybrid events - a combination of live and virtual components. Hybrid events are an ideal way to accommodate attendees ready to return to in-person events, as well as guests who need more time to feel comfortable while gathering. Learn more about our hybrid event packages. Like all corporate and social gatherings at The Salem Convention Center, you can relax knowing that you have a team of experienced professionals who are attentive to each detail of your holiday event. You will have access to our on-site event coordinator, catering services, tables, chairs, centerpieces, linens, a professional banquet staff to set up and tear down the room, large dance floors, and more! As part of your all-inclusive package, we will support your audio-visual needs; whether it's simply a single microphone for speeches or special lighting, video presentations on the huge screens, sound support, artistic direction, and much more. Your party guests may also appreciate additional perks, like our festive seasonal decor throughout the facility, convenient downtown location, free Wi-Fi throughout the facility, charging stations, complimentary on-site covered parking and discounted overnight lodging options at the adjoining Grand Hotel in Salem, just to name a few. The Salem Convention Center is ready to accommodate your holiday party. Click here to view some of our floor plans, or take a virtual tour to view the space online. Complete our Request for Proposal form or calling us at 1-866-614-1900. You can also email us for more information.