Roland E. Powell Convention Center *** Ocean City, Maryland
September 1 - 4, 2020
Chesapeake
Tri-Association Conference
The 2020 Tri-Con is Postponed until
August 30 - September 2, 2021
Questions or comments? email us -info@chesapeaketricon.org
After several weeks of thoughtful consideration and with great reluctance and sadness, we must announce the cancellation of the 2020 Tri-Association Conference (Tri-Con).
The planning committee had hoped that the pandemic would not be as severe as was first forecast, but we were finally faced with several issues that made this decision necessary. Among them:
- The planning committee has no insight as to the direction or timeline that Governor Hogan will take in re-opening the state, especially as it pertains to large indoor gatherings. Opening too soon might cause a surge in infections, prompting renewed prohibitions on large crowds. It would be irresponsible to invite people to attend if the danger to individuals exists.
- Social distancing requirements would severely hamper attendance in the exhibit hall and seminar rooms. Given the size of Tri-Con, it may be physically impossible to comply with social distancing requirements. If so, it would be irresponsible to invite people to attend.
- As Tri-Con has grown over the years, it has developed a reputation for its scope and content. The committee does not want to produce a product that is anything less than the excellent conference you have come to know and expect.
Protecting public health is at the core of what we do. With the continued uncertainties associated with the coronavirus pandemic, it is hard to imagine gathering in our fantastic exhibit hall, or crowding into one of our top-notch technical sessions, or chilling on the beach at Seacrets without potential health risks. And that is compounded by the those uncertainties our attendees are facing with travel restrictions and budget cuts.
Although this cancellation may be the right thing to do, we wish it were not the case. Many of you put a great deal of volunteer time, creativity, and passion into the effort that would have made the 2020 Tri-Con an outstanding event. Some have planned brilliant presentations to be shared in the technical program while still others have developed innovative technologies and services that should have been seen on the exhibit floor. Please know that we are so incredibly grateful for your efforts, and we will be back next year stronger than ever!
Please review the information below regarding logistics that may affect you this year and let us know if you have any questions. We thank all of you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at the 2021 Tri-Con in Ocean City, Maryland!
Sincerely,
Jay Kirk
Jay Kirk
2020 Tri-Con Chair
Exhibitors and Sponsors: We will be reaching out to you separately, but we hope you will consider “rolling over” your booth to the 2021 event. If this is not an option for you, we will offer full refunds.
Abstract Submitters: We will also be reaching out to you: for those who submitted abstracts, the technical program will not “roll over” to the 2021 Tri-Con, and a new call for abstracts will be announced later this fall. However, our individual associations (CWEA, CSAWWA, and WWOA) may reach out to you as they develop committee-led programs this year, and we hope you will consider participating!