Tentative Protocols for Conferences and Events Announced in Greece 

In response to calls from Greek MICE organizers for safety standards, the government announced this week protocols for the organization of conferences and events which foresee among others hybrid events, participant limits, and Covid-19 management requirements.

More specifically, according to the decision published in the Government Gazette, the protocols to be in effect until May 24, include conducting hybrid scientific / professional and other conferences with a 50-person cap on the number of “live” participants, including organizers, technical staff etc, and the simultaneous webcast for registered participants.

Moreover:

• Events and conferences can be held online only.
• Fully in-person events are not allowed without simultaneous webcast.
• Live participation is allowed only in national, regional or local conferences.
• Foreign participants will be allowed to attend international conferences held in Greece adhering to global and local travel guidelines.
• In-person foreign speakers and participants will be required to present proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result.
• There must be a Covid-19 incident management coordinator on call at the event venue and a designated isolation (quarantine) space.
• According to the regulations, MICE organizers will also be required to maintain a list of contact details of participants for tracing purposes should there be a positive coronavirus case.

• Organizers will also be responsible for testing before the event and are recommended to carry out additional tests on the third day.
• Distancing rules apply in venues with attendees required to be seated 1.5 meters apart (in all directions).
• No standing participants or non-registered are allowed.
• Mask-wearing at all times in all areas by everyone is mandatory.
• Speakers will be able to remove the mask at the podium as long as there is a protective shield in place.
• A staff member should be present at all times to ensure rules are adhered to.
• B2B meetings will be held in different spaces.
• Lastly, commercial stands are allowed as long as there is no seating option, they are run by one person, and no printed or other distributable material available.