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Registration for PyCon US 2024 is now open. I registered and will be there from Thursday to Sunday.

My trip this year will be shorter than normal because the ridiculous mask policy put in place by @ThePSF.

Still looking forward to seeing you all there. :)

@ThePSF Ridiculous mask policy:

We are asking you to wear a mask during your time at PyCon US. […] Attendees who are repeatedly unwilling to comply with the mask requirements will be asked to leave and are not eligible for a refund.

That sounds like telling, not asking, nor consistent with 2024 norms.

us.pycon.org/2024/about/health

us.pycon.org- Health & Safety Guidelines - PyCon US 2024

@mkennedy @ThePSF I agree. That part is poorly written. They should revise this copy to be more respectful of attendees instead of whatever dense copy that is.

@webology
100% disagree. The PyCon US mask policy and the linked explanation is thoughtful and is a reason many people attend.

The entire reason is clearly right up there at the top: "We want PyCon US to be an event that everyone feels safe attending."

"The norm" is the lowest bar in the world, never an achievement to aim for.

@mkennedy @ThePSF

@gpshead @webology @mkennedy @ThePSF It’s *much* harder to give a talk while masked than it is to attend a talk while masked. Attendees wearing masks makes it much safer for speakers to unmask, making speaking possible/much easier for people like me (compromised lungs). Even if masks were only required during talks it would make an *enormous* difference to my and others’ ability to be a speaker.

@LauraLangdon @gpshead @webology @ThePSF That’s a fair point. I did suggest that a better compromise would be to have areas that have stronger mask policies and areas that have lighter ones. For example, having masks while attending talks bunched together but having the expo floor encouraged but optional for masks would be an excellent comprise.

But that’s not the policy. The policy is 100% masks, 100% of the time, or you’re unwelcome.

@LauraLangdon @gpshead @webology @ThePSF We could do the same for open spaces. Put a mask symbol on it if it’s required, or a skull and crossbones if it’s mask option and attendees could decide per the organizer’s desires, etc.

@LauraLangdon @gpshead @webology @ThePSF But the PSF has ridiculous statements like:

“We will be guided by science and adapt our policy accordingly”

and

“We will never loosen the policy, that’s our guarantee”

But what if science says the emergency is over? We have vaccines and they are working? Not necessarily saying that’s the case. But those two sentences in the same policy are not congruent.

@mkennedy @gpshead @webology @ThePSF I understood the guarantee not to loosen the policy not to refer to future PyCons necessarily but to this one, because some cons have set mask policies and then removed them at the last minute, after people had bought tickets and so on.

Michael Kennedy

@LauraLangdon @gpshead @webology @ThePSF That’s my understanding too. But I think it’s still inconsistent given the planning is over a year out. Can you really predict the situation that far out when it’s an unprecedented event?

A better policy there would be “We will listen to science. The current policy is masks required. But if that changes, we guarantee to give 100% refunds to anyone uncomfortable with the final policy.”

@mkennedy @LauraLangdon @gpshead @webology

Thanks for all the comments and thoughtfulness. We know many people largely aren't masking anymore and that it can be a social impediment. We have committed for this year to masking, and we won't change that, for the reasons mentioned about not wanting to do a “bait and switch” with the policy for people who make plans to attend based on the policy in place when they registered/paid for travel/submitted their CFP proposals. (1/2)

@mkennedy @LauraLangdon @gpshead @webology

That said, we'll continue assessing the situation (air flow, testing feasibility, etc) and also tracking feedback, and we'll see if testing, or masking just in talks rooms, or other changes make sense for next year.

Thanks for registering & sharing the event, and we're looking forward to seeing you there.

(2/2)

@ThePSF @LauraLangdon @gpshead @webology Thanks for the thoughts and the feedback. Here’s one more from me for the future:

I think better than masks would be a very strong testing mandate.

* Charge + $10 for all tickets to cover kits.
* Have a waiting room where you take the test as you enter the conference
* Wait 15 minutes for verification
* Get a “safe” wrist band for the conference

Then let the people network, speak, and enjoy each other.

@mkennedy @LauraLangdon @gpshead @webology Thank you Michael! That suggestion is noted and appreciated (and definitely will be in the menu of options we consider for next year's policy.)