We regret to inform you that due to the growing threat of exposure to COVID-19 we have cancelled our upcoming AACC 100th Annual Convention.
As we have previously communicated, we have closely monitored news reports and guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as information provided by other expert sources. Our primary concern has been, and will always remain, the health and safety of our members, staff and other participants.
Every year, we look forward to connecting with our colleagues and community at the AACC Annual Convention. This year’s event, marking our 100th birthday, was particularly special for all of us. However, given the growing concerns around COVID-19, including strong warning respecting travel and meetings, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s convention.
We are by no means alone: a number of major higher education events, including SXSW.EDU, the American Educational Research Association annual meeting, and, most recently, the annual meeting of the American Council on Education (ACE), have been cancelled, recast as virtual meetings, or deferred. An increasing number of institutions also have cancelled classes or transitioned to on-line instruction. This is an unprecedented health emergency which we must all take very seriously and act to protect the health of our community.
Please see below for answers to questions you may have regarding refunds for pre-paid registration and participation. We will continue to provide necessary updates and truly appreciate your understanding and support.
REGISTRATION
What should I do about my registration if I was planning to attend the Annual Meeting?
You can cancel your registration for a full refund, or you can apply your 2020 base registration to the 2021 convention. Please see below for treatment of workshop and meal tickets.
You must cancel your registration by March 27, 2020. Please contact our registration team at aaccreg@conferencedirect.com or by calling 833-210-8603.
If we do not hear from you by March 27, 2020, regarding cancelling your base registration, it will be automatically applied to 2021 registration.
What if I cancelled my registration and I was charged a cancellation fee? Can I get that money back?
Maybe. Cancellations made prior to the deadline of March 4 are subject to the regular policy and a $250 cancellation fee.
What if I purchased pre-convention workshops and meal tickets?
AACC will fully refund any pre-convention workshop and meal tickets purchased for the 2020 convention when you cancel your base registration.
What if I am attending an invitation-only breakfast, reception, or other event?
Please contact the affiliated organization regarding events that are scheduled in conjunction with the AACC Annual Convention. You can find them here.
LODGING
What should I do about my lodging?
Please contact our partner Conference Direct at aacclodging@conferencedirect.com to cancel your hotel reservation. Lodging arrangements made outside of the AACC Convention room block are not the responsibility of AACC or Conference Direct and should be cancelled by the person that made them.
AIR FARE
I have already made my travel arrangements. What do I do about my flight?
Please refer to your airline carrier’s policies regarding any cancellation fees associated with your flight.
CONVENTION PROGRAM
My proposal was accepted for the 2020 convention program. Does this mean that my session will automatically be placed on the agenda for the 2021 program?
AACC is grateful to each of our speakers for their willingness to share their most innovative practices. The call for proposals is issued annually based upon the trends and issues impacting the sector. Because the climate for community colleges can change from year-to-year, a new call for proposals with new focus areas will be released later this year. None of the approved proposals for the 2020 convention will automatically rollover to the 2021 program. If your 2020 approved session submission aligns with the 2021 focus areas, we encourage you to resubmit your proposal for consideration.
I am a corporate sponsor or vendor. Do I receive a refund if I purchased a corporate registration package?
Yes. You will receive a full refund. Your base registration fee will be automatically cancelled, and a refund will be issued. You may apply your 2020 registration fee to the 2021 Convention.
I purchased an exhibit booth for the 2020 convention. Do I get a refund?
We thank you for your support of our exhibit hall. Your company can cancel your booth purchase for a full refund, or you can apply your 2020 booth purchase to the 2021 convention. Because booth fees may change from year-to-year, if you opt to rollover your current year fee, a small balance may be due for 2021.
The window to cancel your booth purchase is March 17 – 27, 2020. Please contact our exhibits management team at hfi@aacc.nche.edu or 770-632-0026.
Do I receive a refund for focus groups or other sponsorships that I purchased?
Yes. All focus groups and sponsorships will be refunded. AACC will offer a new menu of offerings later this year for the 2021 convention. We encourage you to stay posted for additional opportunities that you may engage with our members.
FOR ALL
I have more questions, who can I contact?
You can send your questions to aaccreg@conferencedirect.com or call 833-210-8603.