NAFSA 2022 Annual Conference & Expo

Peers and experts joined together at the NAFSA 2022 Annual Conference & Expo, the premier global professional learning and networking event for international educators and organizations supporting international education programs. Together, we are "Building Our Sustainable Future."

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for In-Person Attendees

NAFSA considers the safety of all those onsite at the 2022 Annual Conference & Expo as our top priority including our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and event staff. In an effort to host a safe and productive event, we pledge to follow all guidelines and requirements set by State and local authorities as well as Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.  Please note, these guidelines and requirements may change from time-to-time, so be sure to check back often.


NAFSA will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for all participants attending the 2022 Annual Conference & Expo in Denver including all conference registrants, exhibitors, NAFSA staff, vendor partners, and guests. If you have received all recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine as authorized or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO), then you are considered to be fully vaccinated. Check acceptable COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine proof here. All doses of authorized and approved vaccines must be completed before May 15, 2022. Denver attendees will receive communication and further instruction on how to easily submit their vaccination credentials in their registration confirmation email or they can upload using the link below.

Upload COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination:  All onsite participants joining us in Denver (including all service providers, NAFSA staff and guests) are required to upload proof of vaccination in advance to gain access to the Colorado Convention Center. If you have not yet uploaded your proof of vaccination, please do so here, by 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on May 27. A COVID-19 booster shot is strongly encouraged as extra protection.

Individual Accountability

NAFSA has preventive measures in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. NAFSA cannot, however, guarantee that attendees will properly social-distance and that its attendees will not become infected with COVID-19.  Attendees agree to COVID-19 specific terms & conditions of attendance as part of the registration process.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, have COVID-19 symptoms, or have had close contact with a person who has tested positive for or who has symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.
Be sure to practice everyday preventive actions, including but not limited to social distancing, washing hands often, and monitoring your health daily.

On-Site Safety

On-site safety practices include:

  • Masks are required for all Attendees at the conference except for when actively eating or drinking.  Participants are responsible for providing their own masks.
  • Reminders to socially distance when appropriate, wash your hands often, cover your cough, or sneeze and stay away if you are sick.
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers deployed throughout venue.
  • Modified gathering and seating areas to allow for appropriate physical distancing.
  • Attendees will have the option to indicate their comfort level for personal interaction through the use of Green/Yellow/Red stickers displayed on their conference badge.  
  • Access to COVID-19 testing and wellness spaces on-site at the conference venue(s).
  • Prior to arriving in Denver, we encourage each attendee to do the following:
  • Be sure to register and upload your proof of vaccination PRIOR to arriving onsite to reduce congestion and forming of lines in the registration area.
  • Visit the Event Website for any updates to our Health & Safety Guidelines.
  • Monitor your daily health and self-assessment prior to traveling.  

Event Management has the right to remove or exclude anyone from the event if they do not follow our Health & Safety policies or do not follow Health & Safety instructions set forth by the Event or venue staff.

The Colorado Convention Center is following its own safety procedures.  Having implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention in its facility, the venue has achieved the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® GBAC STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. 

Public health guidance on preventing the transmission of COVID-19 continues to evolve, and NAFSA will base its on-site protocol on the latest guidance from the CDC in addition to local regulations in Denver. This page will continue to be updated as needed. Be sure to check out our FAQ’s and reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

On-Site Testing

Onsite testing will be available at the NAFSA Testing Suite. It is located in the Hyatt Regency Denver, Agate Room (Level Three). It will operate during following schedule :

May 31 - June 2, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
June 3, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  

If participants wish to test onsite, Safe Expo is offering three options (cost of test to be paid by attendee):

  • Rapid Antigen Test – $50 each
  • Rapid Molecular Test* – $150 each
  • Rapid RT-PCR – $200 each

To schedule a test, please visit the testing portal or stop by the testing suite during open hours.  For questions, please stop by the testing suite during open hours.