Cancelled: 2020 AAFCS Annual Conference
April 15, 2020
Dear AAFCS members and supporters:
The Coronavirus is affecting all of us, but family and consumer sciences professionals are truly standing strong.
We have continued to educate the public about skills that relate to everyday living as we encourage containment of the virus. Our spirit of resilience and passion for our work will continue despite any disruptions that come our way.
The AAFCS Board of Directors and staff have been working behind the scenes since the pandemic became our new reality to explore the right path forward for the 2020 Annual Conference and Expo. Together, we reviewed the results of our recent survey with your health and wellness our top priority. We have considered work and travel restrictions, the financial impact to our members, the temporary closure of the host hotel and furloughs to hotel staff, and our commitment to do the right thing.
Today, I am announcing that the AAFCS Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Annual Conference and Expo. As of now, we are sharing this need-to-know information that will answer some of your immediate questions:
The registration site for the Annual Conference is closed.
If you were registered, you will receive a notice that a full refund is being issued.
If you are a presenter, leader of one of our AAFCS communities, committees, units, or a related organization that was planning to host an event, you will receive an update from staff by April 24th.
If you have received or applied for a 2020 award, grant, fellowship, or scholarship, you will receive an update by April 30th.
We are exploring options to host components of the in-person event, virtually. We expect to announce any plans for a virtual event(s) in May.
We regret that the Coronavirus pandemic will keep us from gathering face-to-face in June for an engaging conference experience in Baltimore. As a Board, we just couldn't in good conscience support an event that might in any way jeopardize your/our health and well-being.
Just as there has been an increased appreciation for the content of family and consumer sciences through the governmental stay-at-home recommendations, we know you have an ongoing need for a professional organization that provides you the support and resources needed to thrive in these uncertain times. AAFCS pledges to be YOUR professional community in the ways that adapt to OUR new normal!
Stay safe, stay well.
Jackie Ogden, CFCS
President, AAFCS Board of Directors