May UPDATE on our SLOW FLOWERS SUMMIT 2021 COVID Precautions

News from Slow Flowers Summit Event Manager Karen Thornton

Next month nearly 100 of us will be gathering - in person - for the 2021 Slow Flowers Summit, with others participating via social media from their homes, studios, and shops throughout the 2 day event (more details for those of you participating online coming soon!). Being 16 months to the day since my last in-person event as an event planner brings mixed emotions, as I'm sure it does for many of you. We are grateful for your trust in Slow Flowers and cannot thank our venue, Filoli, enough for the partnership and leadership they have provided throughout the planning process.

We are aware of recent updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding face coverings for those who are fully vaccinated. At this time, Slow Flowers will require masks to be worn at the Slow Flowers Summit since many guests will be traveling to attend the Summit.

As you know, the 2021 Summit ticket policy, offers ticket holders who are unable to attend in person to request a partial refund of $170 off the original amount of their Summit ticket purchase. Videos of the in-person programming, including keynote by Susan Mcleary, featured speakers Abra Lee and Max Gill, and capstone presentation by Jennifer Jewell, will be professionally recorded and provided after the event to those who are unable to attend in person. Requests for partial refund of $170 need to be made by May 24, 2021 by emailing karen@slowflowers.com.

The state of California aims to fully reopen on June 15. The move comes as the state has reached 15.3 million people fully vaccinated.

San Mateo County, California, where the Summit will be held, recently moved to Tier 4 (Yellow-Minimal). The state's four-tiered reopening system includes four tiers: Tier 1 (Purple - Widespread), Tier 2 (Red - Substantial), Tier 3 (Orange - Moderate), and Tier 4 (Yellow - Minimal). As of April 11, 2021, county metrics are:

● 3.6 new Covid-19 cases per day per 100,000 (down from 4.2 at the time of the last Summit newsletter)

● 0.6% positivity rate (7-day average, down from 0.8% at the time of the last Summit newsletter)

● 78.4% county population vaccinated (16+ years, up from 57.2% at the time of the last Summit newsletter)

● 30.1% of the state's population lives in county's that are in Tier 4 (Yellow-Minimal), with 58.7% in Tier 3 (Orange - Moderate), 11.2% in Tier 2 (Red - Substantial), and 0% in Tier 1 (Purple - Widespread)

Under the State's Blueprint for a Safer Economy, Tier 4 allows for private events, such as the Slow Flowers Summit to have up to 200 people for outdoor, ticketed gatherings. However, the Summit will remain <150 people, and likely much closer to 100 people in attendance.

For those of you attending in-person, here are more details on what the Summit will look like with safety precautions in place:

● We encourage all guests to stay home if they are sick, have symptoms of Covid-19, or have tested positive for Covid-19, or have been in contact with someone who has been sick, has symptoms of Covid-19, or tested positive for Covid-19, within 14 days prior to the Summit.

● Daily attestation will be completed by all guests.

● Face coverings are mandatory for everyone over the age of 2.

● Programming will be hosted outdoors on the beautiful grounds of Filoli Historic House and Gardens (restrooms facilities are indoors).

● Frequent hand washing is recommended (restroom facilities will be available).

● Hand sanitizer will be readily accessible by all guests.

● Physically distanced, assigned seating will be implemented for seating during presentations.

● Food and beverages will be individually wrapped for each guest.

● Physical distancing will be required during meals.

In addition, guests not following requirements may be asked to leave. And anyone who develops symptoms of Covid-19 should isolate and follow public health recommendations. All guests will be notified immediately should we be made aware of anyone (staff, vendors, or guests) in attendance developing symptoms of Covid-19 or testing positive for Covid-19 within 14 days of the Summit (individuals will be kept anonymous).