Wednesday, July 15, 2020

ASEEES 2020 Virtual Convention Announcement

Dear ASEEES Members,

Due to the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASEEES is cancelling the in-person 2020 Annual Convention in Washington DC and shifting to an all virtual format.

We realize that this may be disappointing to some and a relief to others. It’s a decision that has not been made lightly. Your responses in the recent survey lean heavily towards concerns that hosting an in-person convention would put attendees at risk. Additionally, many of you said that your universities have restricted travel for the remainder of 2020, as well as eliminating funding for travel and convention participation.  Forty percent of ASEEES attendees would be traveling internationally and are subject to unknown travel challenges and restrictions. 

Needless to say, your health and safety are our primary concern during these unprecedented times. The Executive Committee and the 2020 Convention Planning Committee have closely considered the recommendations of the CDC and the local and state government mandates in the DC metropolitan area, along with your feedback, and collectively made the decision to go virtual. 

While we will certainly miss reuniting with colleagues and friends, we are fortunate to have the technological resources and time to coordinate a viable alternative to the on-site convention. There will be opportunities for sharing new research, networking casually and more formally, and mentoring future scholars. Meetings, film screenings, literary events and a virtual exhibit hall will all still be available. 

Over the next few weeks you will be receiving more information regarding an extended schedule (likely over two weekends in November), adjusted registration costs, and a survey to let us know if you will participate virtually. Please do not send any individual session changes to ASEEES at this time. All changes will be managed via the participation survey. If you already paid your registration fees, ASEEES will contact you separately in the coming weeks with information on your options. 

We have tried to answer the most Frequently Asked Questions. As others arise please contact Margaret Manges, Convention Manager, aseeescn@pitt.edu, with your unanswered concerns. Membership and registration questions should be addressed to Sean Caulfield, aseees@pitt.edu. 

We will gather again.  

Regards,

Jan Kubik                                                                                   Elena Prokhorova

ASEEES 2020 President                                                           ASEEES 2020 Program Chair