(Updated September 16, 2025)
MIR29 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDANCE
TOPICS COVERED
- Health Guidance
- Visiting Chicago
- For Our International Attendees
- Safety At Our Hotel Venues
- Thoughtfulness Regarding Gear Selection During The Weekend
- In Conclusion
HEALTH GUIDANCE
We're excited to welcome you to MIR29 Rubberlesque! Your health and safety are our top priorities. Here are our recommended guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the flu during the event.
- Stay home if you feel sick. This is the most important step you can take. If you develop symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches, please do not attend the conference. We encourage you to notify us if you need to cancel your attendance due to illness.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Consider wearing a mask. While not required, wearing a high-quality mask (like an N95 or KN95) is a simple and effective way to protect yourself and others. Masks are particularly helpful in crowded indoor spaces like conference halls and breakout rooms.
- Get vaccinated. We strongly recommend that all attendees are up-to-date on their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations before traveling to the conference. Vaccination is a key tool in preventing severe illness and hospitalization. Be sure to factor in the necessary time for the vaccination to be effective.
- Be courteous. Please be respectful of others' health choices and personal space. Some attendees may choose to wear masks and maintain distance, and we ask that you support their decisions.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Enjoy the conference!
VISITING CHICAGO
Despite recent challenges, Chicago remains a vibrant and resilient city for its LGBTQ+ community. While the presence of federal and immigration agents has been in the news, it's important to know that Chicago has a long-standing history as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ individuals. Chicago has consistently upheld and expanded protections for LGBTQ+ people, with Illinois being one of the most progressive states in the Midwest regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Local officials have publicly pushed back against federal overreach, reaffirming their commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of all residents, regardless of their background or identity. This strong civic opposition provides a vital layer of defense.
Chicago's LGBTQ+ community is not just a community; it's a movement. Organizations like Brave Space Alliance, Howard Brown Health, and the National Immigrant Justice Center are actively providing crucial resources, from legal aid to health services, and political education. They are a testament to the community's strength and dedication to mutual support.
While vigilance is necessary, we can find strength and hope in the solidarity of Chicagoans and the enduring commitment of its leaders and advocacy groups. By staying informed, knowing our rights, and supporting these local organizations, we can continue to build a safe and welcoming MIR International Rubber Weekend for everyone.
FOR OUR INTERNATIONAL ATTENDEES
For our international visitors, we recommend that you visit the United States Customs and Border Protections website for the most current and up to date information on how to prepare for your arrival at a US Port of Entry. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors
If you would prefer to avoid visiting an official US Government website, The United States Travel Association (a non-profit that promotes travel to the United States) also has a page of dos and don'ts for international travelers that may be helpful.
https://www.ustravel.org/how-enter-united-states-guide-international-visitors
SAFETY AT OUR HOTEL VENUES
Hotel and event venues in the Rosemont O'Hare neighborhood are implementing various safety measures due to the recent increase in Federal Immigration and National Guard enforcement in the greater Chicagoland area. These measures focus on legal compliance, employee and guest protections, and crisis response planning.
During MIR, the Hilton will be closed to the general public. Event rooms, such as the Vendor Market, are considered private spaces and will have someone from MIR checking anyone who enters.
Minimizing Cooperation: Neither our venues, or MIR, will voluntarily assist any immigration official in their activities beyond the requirements of federal law.
THOUGHTFULNESS ABOUT YOUR GEAR SELECTION DURING THE WEEKEND
For the safety and security of all attendees, we kindly request that no one wear any police, federal agent, or military badges or insignias in event spaces during MIR29. While we understand that tactical gear has become a popular accessory for many in the rubber community, we kindly ask that you refrain from displaying any police, military, SWAT or other insignias, logos, or text on your gear in any event spaces during MIR29. This is to ensure a welcoming and comfortable environment for everyone, especially those who may have had negative experiences with law enforcement or other authorities, or are apprehensive given the ongoing increased federal activity happening in Chicago. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a secure and respectful space for all attendees.
IN CONCLUSION
We are confident that you will have a safe, empowering, and rewarding experience at MIR29 Rubberlesque. We look forward to welcoming you to Chicago as we come together to build a world that is shinier, happier, and safer for all rubberists.