I agree, Rex.
It says in the FAQs on the AAM Conference that the vendors from Exhibition Hall won't get refunds because the cut off date was last December?
I think it would be the smartest and most professional decision to cancel.
I can't cancel hotels or flights or anything until the official word.
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Lauren Furey
Manager of Visitor Engagement
Mariners' Museum
Newport News VA
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-25-2020 11:43 AM
From: Rex Garniewicz
Subject: 2020 conference
Many of us in management positions in museums have had to make difficult decisions in the face of COVID-19. Weeks ago, we made decisions to postpone or cancel our events through the end of May and into June. We have refunded payments and deposits for programs, weddings and other rentals, even though many were well past the cutoff date. There are potentially negative financial consequences, but it is simply the right thing to do. Postponing an inevitable decision, at this point, just causes more stress for everyone involved. Now, museum professionals need to be focused on helping our communities, museums, employees, and supporters, not worrying about the conference. It is time for the leadership of AAM to be true leaders and cancel or postpone the conference and refund the full registration fees. If they can't manage to do that in the height of a pandemic, how can they continue to lead and represent the entire museum field?
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Rex Garniewicz PhD
President and CEO
Coastal Discovery Museum
Hilton Head Island SC
Original Message:
Sent: 03-17-2020 11:32 AM
From: Robin Hutton
Subject: 2020 conference
Is the conference still happening? Everything is getting cancelled into May so we're just wondering.