National Convention in Phoenix now open to the public
The American Legion will hold its 102nd National Convention in Phoenix Aug. 27-Sept. 2. As convention draws near, updates continue to occur regarding COVID-19 restrictions at the local and state level. The American Legion will follow the official guidance, precautions and rules from our convention host city.
The following are updated announcements to guidelines, as well as reminders, that The American Legion asks for you to please adhere to during convention in Phoenix. These guidelines are subject to change.
Convention is now open to the public. Like previous national conventions, everyone can now attend.
No capacity limits in meeting/larger general session rooms or exhibit hall. The current assigned space and size of these rooms will remain for all to be comfortable and at ease to allow one to physical distance if they so desire. For the National Commander’s Banquet, a determination will be made by the end of July whether to increase the size of the banquet due to various factors.
Face coverings/masks not required for those fully vaccinated. While face coverings are not required for American Legion convention attendees who are fully vaccinated, airlines (see below) still require face coverings/masks as well as other transportation sources.
No onsite temperature checks or health screenings. Temperature checks will not be taken at the Phoenix Convention Center, however, it is still the responsibility of the attendee to adhere to the waiver agreement and protocols. For example, if you have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of the convention – or tested positive within 14 days of departure – stay home.
All National Convention attendees must still:
Pre-register. Convention walk-ins will not be permitted this year. Those interested in attending must register in advance with their respective American Legion department.
Sign liability waiver. All attendees of the American Legion National Convention must sign a liability waiver to attend; the City of Phoenix accepts no liability and declines to indemnify anyone electing to attend the event. Convention dignitaries also will be required to sign this waiver before attending. Attendees will return waiver to respective department adjutant. If the attendee is a guest, department adjutants will put N/A on the waiver where it asks for membership number.
Social distance. Please be cognizant and observe physical distancing in all common areas of the Phoenix Convention Center such as hallways, foyers, food court, etc., that is not leased space to The American Legion.
Flying to the convention?
Face coverings are mandated on all domestic flights and airports.
For international travel, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention requires all travelers flying to or transiting through the United States from international destinations, including U.S. citizens, to provide one of two pieces of information. One is a COVID-19 test (NAAT or Antigen) with a “negative” or “COVID-19 not detected” result. Tests marked “invalid” will not be accepted. It must be taken no more than three days before departure from the first embarkation point. Show written proof of the traveler’s negative test result, and include the traveler’s name and other identifying identification to match their passport. The other is documentation of recovery from COVID-19.
The requirement does not apply to children under 2; U.S. military personnel and civilian employees, dependents or contractors traveling on orders; or those traveling entirely within the United States, including the 50 U.S. states, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some states or territories may have individual entry restrictions in addition to the federal regulations for international travel to the United States. Check the CDC website before your trip to learn more. Passengers must complete a disclosure and attestation form before departure, which can be obtained at cdc.gov/quarantine.
All items surrounding the 102nd American Legion National Convention are subject to change.