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As the worldwide COVID-19 crisis continues, associations are experiencing drastic impacts on their conferences, membership, and operations. These resources are compiled here to help you stay informed on this rapidly evolving situation.

“Aggressive and preventative measures are being taken to protect our individual and collective health. This is an unprecedented situation which requires many of us to adjust our normal practices,” ASAE President and CEO Susan Robertson, CAE, said in a March 13, 2020, statement announcing that ASAE was initiating fully virtual operations. Read her full statement here. 

 

ASAE Announces 2021 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition Will Be Virtual With Regional In-Person Events

Due to continued concerns for the health and safety of all members, industry partners, volunteer leaders, staff, and other stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic, ASAE announced on March 3, 2021, that the 2021 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition will be held virtually, alongside smaller, regional hub meetings that can safely take place in person around the country.

This year’s ASAE Annual Meeting will be held the week of August 16.

Annual Meeting attendees can choose to participate virtually or at regional locations where smaller groups of attendees can meet face-to-face during the meeting. Hub locations have not yet been determined, but it is anticipated that Dallas and other ASAE Alliance Partner destinations will serve as ASAE Annual Meeting hubs in August.

Registration for the reconfigured 2021 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition will open May 3 with full details.

“Logistically, a lot of planning goes into every aspect of the meeting to ensure its success and, right now, there are too many variables outside our control that could impact our attendees’ meeting experience,” said ASAE President and CEO Susan Robertson, CAE. “While we’re all eager for a full-bore return to face-to-face meetings, we’re excited to create some options in August for our attendees to access top-level content virtually or reunite with their colleagues and partners in a safe, controllable environment.”

More ASAE Updates: ASAE is constantly evaluating its operations, programs, and services in light of the pandemic and making adjustments as needed.

Read more about the impact of COVID-19 on ASAE operations, in-person programs, and membership renewals.

 

Advocacy Update

Pandemic Risk Insurance

Pandemic risk insurance—and especially coverage for event cancellation—remains a top priority for ASAE. A pandemic risk insurance program, which ASAE first called for in March 2020, is critically needed to help our community and others fully reestablish programs, services, the workforce, and our overall economic impact.

In May 2021, ASAE joined the Business Continuity Coalition as a steering committee member. The BCC brings together more than two dozen industries and companies representing more than 60 million workers. In addition to trade associations and professional societies, the BCC showcases organizations in the restaurant, entertainment, hospitality, gaming, retail, communications, broadcasting, and real estate industries, among others. Read ASAE’s press release for more information.

To read more, visit ASAE’s coronavirus advocacy and resources webpage or email [email protected] with questions.

 

ASAE Research Foundation Impact Surveys

The ASAE Research Foundation continues to study how associations have approached critical decision-making about member, volunteer, staff, and constituent needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Association Impact Snapshot Surveys assess the pandemic’s impact on association business operations, including meetings, nondues revenue, and staff management.  

The foundation conducted two surveys in 2020 and one in early 2021. Key findings have been captured in the following three reports: 

• Association Impact Snapshot February/March 2021: Key Findings Report 
• Association Impact Snapshot May/June 2020: Key Findings Report  
• Association Impact Snapshot March/April 2020: Key Findings Report 

In addition, a Phase 3 Comprehensive Final Report is available for download.  

The foundation plans to conduct additional surveys to continue to track ongoing association response to the crisis. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have questions. 

 

Recorded Webcasts

Note: CAE credits are not awarded for viewing recordings.

 

Collaborate

(Member login required for all Collaborate discussion posts.)

Will Your Association Soon Do a Live Event With Attendee COVID Testing?

Reopening Your Association’s Offices

Reopening-for-Business Plan

Membership Renewal During COVID

Not Going Back – 100% Virtual

Can We Require Attendees to Be Vaccinated?

Staffing a Hybrid Event: How Does That Work?

How Are You Keeping Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity on Peoples' Minds During COVID-19?

Search for all discussions tagged "#Coronavirus" in the Collaborate search field.

 

Articles

 

 

Other Tools and Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC’s resource page includes information on COVID-19 vaccination and testing, variants, and travel updates. 

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs: This State Department resource includes information on travel advisories, presidential proclamations on travel restrictions, and country-specific COVID-19 information.

Meetings Mean Business Coalition: MMB's toolkit of coronavirus preparedness and response resources is tailored specifically for meeting and event professionals. It includes talking points, templates, and "fast facts" graphics that can be shared in social media.