2010 Technology Conference Cancelation
FAQ
1. Why was the event canceled?
We decided to cancel the event because of the record snowfall in the Washington, DC area and more inclement weather in the forecast. The region was buried under two feet of snow, which already created hazardous road conditions and flight cancelations at the three major airports. The second round of snow on top of what’s already on the ground would make the conditions even more dangerous. Keeping the safety of attendees, exhibitors, staff and guests attending the event in mind, it was the right decision to cancel the event, as difficult as it was for us and for many of our members.
The Technology Conference is our third largest annual event, celebrating its 5-year anniversary this year. We know this is an important event for our members and that many made significant investments to participate in the show. But with the already poor road conditions and the strong likelihood that the ability to travel by land as well as air will become even more difficult, this was the right decision. Many of the event speakers, exhibitors and attendees had let us know that they would not be able to make the conference due to cancelled flights and other travel challenges. Therefore even if we decided to go forward with the event, we would not have been able to deliver the education content that was promoted or the attendance for both sessions and the trade show. We wouldn’t cancel an event such as this one, especially when it’s celebrating such a milestone, if the situation wasn’t serious.
2. Why now?
We made the decision as early as possible to give everyone as much time to change their arrangements. There was a possibility of getting more snow earlier in the week but we didn’t know just how bad it would get. Once the predictions were more certain, we went ahead and canceled the event before the majority of guests arrived in Washington.
3. How did you tell everyone about the cancelation?
We informed everyone about the cancelation as quickly as possible using numerous channels, including emails to attendees, exhibitors, speakers and staff; tweets from the official ASAE & The Center and the event twitter accounts; messages on the main ASAE & The Center and the event websites; and a voicemail message on the main ASAE & The Center phone line. We also established an email address (techupdates@asaecenter.org) where members and industry partners can send their inquiries about the cancelation.
4. I was really looking forward to the event; can you reschedule it?
We booked the venue and selected the date for the conference far in advance and there are other meetings booked at the same venue for future dates, so we cannot reschedule the event. Rescheduling it could also potentially create many logistical challenges for our members.
5. Are you going to deliver the conference virtually?
There are no plans to hold the conference online. We may consider a smaller-scale online conference at some point, but we cannot commit to that right now. Again, we will inform everyone of any developments.
6. I’ve heard there is another event organized in place of the Technology Conference? How is ASAE & The Center involved?
Following the cancelation of the Technology Conference, ASAE & The Center did not partner with any other organizations or individual members to host another event.
7. Are you going to reimburse my fees?
We will refund all registration, exhibitor and booth fees and want to make sure everyone is satisfied with our service. Refunds will be made via the same method as the original payments received. We appreciate everyone’s patience processing refund transactions as it may take us a little longer than usual given the circumstances.
8. I’m already in DC, will you reimburse my hotel and travel fees?
We can only refund the fees you paid to ASAE & The Center. If you made lodging reservations, please call the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel, the official hotel for the event, directly, at 202-989-9000.
9. Where can I get more information about the cancelation?
Please contact us at techupdates@asaecenter.org if you have any questions pertaining to this cancelation and stay tuned to future emails and official announcements on our website. Thank you for your patience and for your understanding as we address everyone’s concerns.
