The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA), after careful consideration, announced today it will cancel its in-person 2020 Annual Meeting & Conference, scheduled for September 10-12, at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, due to public health and safety concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. VHMA is working with scheduled speakers, sponsors, and industry partners to redesign the conference as a virtual event.
“After careful discussion of every aspect of the meeting and experience, VHMA has made the difficult decision to move the 2020 Annual Meeting & Expo to a virtual experience,” said VHMA Executive Director Christine Shupe, CAE. “As excited as we were to host a memorable and informative in-person Annual Meeting & Conference in Orlando in September, the public health and safety of staff, participants, and everyone associated with the meeting remain our top priority.”
The U.S. and the world have been turned upside down because of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. Many states and local governments have implemented measures that impact large gatherings. These measures are currently in effect and it is unclear how long these restrictions will continue. Even in September, it is likely that large numbers of people congregating will simply not be possible or practical and that social distancing requirements will remain in place. The measures pose challenges to hosting events that are intended to bring large numbers of people together to share information and network.
The VHMA is now immersed in creating a dynamic virtual event. Details regarding the meeting will be distributed as soon as they are finalized. To keep updated or for more information, visit www.vhma.org.
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