Events
Your AAR staff continues to work toward holding the Annual Meeting in Boston, Nov. 21-24, 2020. We are aware of the uncertainty and contradictory projections related to the COVID-19 pandemic and with health and safety as a priority, we will continue monitoring the guidance of governments and health experts as we plan and make decisions. Should any changes need to be made related to the 2020 Annual Meeting, we will promptly notify you.
Open Registration:
All remaining regional meetings for 2020 have been canceled
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April 2, 2020
Dear AAR colleagues,
I am writing today to give you an update about the plans for the November 2020 Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. We continue to monitor the pandemic and its implications for the meeting, remaining in communication with our concurrent meeting partner, SBL, as well as civic leaders in Boston, peer learned societies, and industry professionals about the constantly changing nature of this crisis. As you are aware, there is still a tremendous amount of uncertainty at the moment.
In light of uncertainty and contradictory projections, we are doing everything we can to plan for as many contingencies as possible. Presently, we are still planning to have the meeting in Boston in November. If a contingency plan becomes necessary, we will communicate with members about how we will put it into action. Program unit chairs should continue to create sessions, with the deadline of April 8th. Members with accepted proposals should continue to work on those papers in anticipation of presenting them.
Registration typically begins in early April. We are postponing the opening of registration until early May, and that date may be adjusted as necessary. We will update you with changes.
We are also deeply aware that this is not just about the AAR. We hold the Annual Meeting with SBL, and both AAR and SBL have affiliates that meet with us and depend upon us. Because of this, the meeting is a rich opportunity for intellectual and interpersonal experiences. In addition, publishers look to the meeting as a critical time to exhibit, work with authors, and develop new works that serve your research and professional development. The Annual Meeting is a time of rich connection and engagement. We are factoring all these relationships and responsibilities into our decision making.
These decisions also carry complicated and significant financial implications, and leadership and staff act as fiduciaries on behalf of every member. We have developed strong working relationships with cities, hotels, and convention and visitors’ bureaus. We expect these will serve us well as we navigate this challenge with and for you.
Foremost, however, is your safety and well-being. We know this is a time of tremendous upheaval in your professional and personal life.
Especially, as we navigate these challenging times together, we hope that you stay safe and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Alice Hunt
Executive Director
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