Social media observers noticed and raised concerns over similarities between the CPAC main stage layout and a winged othala rune, which had been used as insignia by two units of the NaziSS, and more recently by Neo-Nazi organizations.[5] CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp said comparisons were "outrageous and slanderous".[6] Hyatt issued a statement that it took concerns over the design seriously, but allowed the event to continue after organizers assured them "that any resemblance to a symbol of hate [was] unintentional."[5] Design firm Design Foundry later took responsibility for the design of the stage, saying that it "intended to provide the best use of space, given the constraints of the ballroom and social distancing requirements." Ian Walters, director of communications for the ACU and CPAC, said they would stop using Design Foundry.[7][8]