Dear Members
There is a great amount of speculation and curiosity as to the status of our annual meeting in Boston and the decision-making process surrounding its future. This letter is an effort to give you a fully transparent view into our current state and the dynamics surrounding the decisions ahead.
Current Registration: Overall registration for the annual meeting is consistent with 2019 registration numbers nine weeks prior to the meeting. Some categories are up, and some are down. Here are the current pre-reg numbers through Thursday afternoon:
- Total MDs (Including WCC/Sub-day, Annual Meeting – 2,425 (up 7.6% from 2019)
- MDs Meeting/All Access Only (Annual Meeting; doesn’t include WCC/Sub-day)– 2,105 (down 7.5% from 2019)
- ASOA, Techs and Nurses & Joint ASOA/TN – 935, (down 15% from 2019, mostly in the TN/Joint category)
- Overall count for cancellations – 55 MDs and 9 Admins (numbers above reflect cancellations)
These numbers may surprise many of you, but I believe they reflect the value our annual meeting brings to our members, and the enthusiasm they have for our organization. Amidst Wednesday’s and Thursday’s turmoil we still had 5 new registrations yesterday.
Current Situation in Boston: Earlier this week Governor Baker declared a State of Emergency for 30 days (through April 10 at which time it will be reassessed) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which essentially grants him expanded powers to issue executive orders such as cancelling large public gatherings. Earlier today, Governor Baker announced a restriction on crowds of 250 or more effective immediately until the State of Emergency no longer exists or the Order is rescinded, whichever is earlier. That said, as of today, the guidance we have once again received directly from the city of Boston is to continue moving forward with our meeting. This could change at any moment, but that is the current state.
Next Steps: With the meeting date still 63 days away, and amidst the daily chaos wrought by COVID-19, it is crucial for us to make calm and measured decisions with the best interests of our members, attendees and the society considered. ASCRS considers the health and safety of its meeting attendees as a top priority. Staging a meeting this size comes with many responsibilities which we treat with equal weighting. Included in these responsibilities are the numerous contractual obligations ASCRS has with our convention center, logistics and hotel partners in Boston. If we initiated a voluntary cancellation today, ASCRS will be responsible for fulfilling all contractual obligations. However, if a government entity initiates a cancellation, a number of these obligations would be removed, significantly reducing the financial exposure for the society. While safeguarding the health and safety of meeting attendees is essential, it is critical to the vitality of our organization that these decisions are carefully managed and executed.
Our Commitment: The ASCRS Executive Committee and staff hold our members in the highest regard. Everything we do is viewed through the lens of serving the needs of our members, their practices and their patients. We will take no decisions that betray that commitment. None of us have a crystal ball, so it is difficult to say exactly when an update will come next, but as events warrant, we will rapidly take steps to inform you. In the event of a cancellation we will assess contingency plans which are currently under investigation and determine the most viable option as quickly as possible.
We ask your continued patience and understanding as this challenging dynamic is resolved in the best interests of our members, our meeting attendees, and ASCRS.
Thank you,
Steve Speares