APCA Members,
2020 has been the most unusual and challenging year in most of our lives. At APCA our objective has been to get the association back to business as usual as quickly as possible, which is why after cancelling the 2020 convention in the Bahamas, we worked diligently to promote, plan, and execute a rescheduled convention at Trump Hotel in Washington, D.C. Sadly, many of the states and cities in the U.S. have taken a very cautious approach to COVID-19 that well exceeds social distancing and wearing masks. The District of Columbia has been one of the most restrictive jurisdictions in the country, and it instituted a mandatory quarantine period for anyone traveling from 31 states (as I write this). In addition, the city government has failed to move D.C. into phase three, which would have made it legal for APCA to hold its convention in October.
Last Friday, the Trump Hotel notified us that it would not be legal to hold our convention in October because the District of Columbia would not enter phase three by October 6. The APCA Board of Directors decided that moving the convention to a new venue would not be feasible given the short time between now and October. In an effort to keep the momentum the association has achieved, APCA will still hold an in-person board of directors meeting, strategic planning meeting, and Gold Shovel committee meeting in Texas, October 6-9. Additional details on this meeting will follow.
For convention attendees, we offer two choices: a full refund or full credit toward the 2021 convention. During the second round of registrations, no credit cards were processed so refunds or credit will be issued based on original charges for the cancelled March convention. For convention sponsors, we offer two choices: full refunds to those who have already paid or a full credit toward a 2021 sponsorship.
The 2020 sponsors will have new opportunity to sponsor events and meetings at the October Board & Planning Meeting. Sponsor opportunities will be announced in a separate email that will be sent to 2020 sponsors for first right of refusal.
COVID-19 has created incredible challenges for many individuals and organizations, and it is critical that the association continues the momentum we have been building over the last several years. Association members must continue to support this association and the industry to ensure the future success of our industry, our association, and our members.
APCA is looking forward to a brighter 2021 with a successful annual convention in Naples, Florida, March 26 – 31, 2021.
Thank you for your continued support.
