Conference Update: January 26, 2022
Since the Omicron variant swept British Columbia in the latest holiday season, the Secretariat team has closely monitored the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the province. While the entire Secretariat team would have loved to continue planning for the February conference, it quickly became apparent that the circumstances in Canada and across the world would not change for the better in time for the first weekend of February.
When considering response strategies to the Omicron surge, the Secretariat’s main objective was to ensure the continued safety of all participants while maintaining the conference quality VMUN is known for. In our view, the best way to strike that compromise involves preserving the full, in-person experience that we have all been eagerly anticipating.
Through communication with sponsor teachers, it became evident that an in-person VMUN is preferred by most schools. Thus, the decision has been made that VMUN 2022 will now be held from April 21-23, 2022, in person at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver. In this regard, the Secretariat team is confident that these new dates will ensure that VMUN is able to run without incurring adverse risk of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conference Format
The Hyatt Regency Vancouver, renowned for its exemplary service and attentive staff, now welcomes guests with a fresh new look. Beautifully renovated guestrooms offer stylish surroundings and gracious amenities. With unmatched meeting and convention facilities, tantalizing dining options, and a location in the heart of the city’s business, shopping, and entertainment district, this contemporary retreat is the unsurpassed choice among hotels in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Taking into consideration the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions, VMUN 2022 will not mandate that all participants stay overnight at the Hyatt in order to promote inclusivity and provide as many delegates as possible the opportunity to participate in the conference. Delegations wishing to stay overnight remain able to book room nights at the Hyatt through VMUN; however, delegations may choose to attend as “day” delegates, commuting to the venue in the morning and departing after the conclusion of each day’s events. On the school registration form, please denote the option your delegation wishes to choose, and our Delegate Affairs team will be in touch in due course.
COVID-19 Cancellation Policy
Should VMUN 2022 not be held in-person for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all registrations will be transferred to an online iteration of VMUN 2022—with appropriate costs being refunded so that the overall fee paid is identical to that of the delegate registration fee for a potential online VMUN 2022—or to an anticipated in-person VMUN 2023. Delegations will be given the opportunity to choose between the two aforementioned options, and should they choose the latter option, all students who may not be able to attend VMUN 2023 due to secondary school graduation or other extenuating circumstances will be fully refunded.
COVID-19 Health Policy
Last updated: April 21, 2022
The Secretariat has prepared VMUN 2022’s COVID-19 Health Policy following provincial and federal government mandates, BC Centre for Disease Control event guidelines, and Provincial Health Officer (PHO) orders. Over the course of the next few months leading up to the conference, we will continue to adhere to public health guidelines to improve the efficacy and comprehensiveness of our Health Policy. Please download the full text of our COVID-19 Health Policy below:
Please email communications@vmun.com if you have any questions or concerns.