I am leading with an awesome picture of Baltimore because that is the Baltimore that I know and the one that I recommend to my clients. Not all is good in one of my favorite cities though.
Two Conferences Cancelled and One Rescheduled in Baltimore
You knew Force Majeure was waiting in the wings and it looks like Baltimore is taking a hit from the latest pandemonium in the United States with both the The Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) and American Heart Association cancelling events in the city and the The Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) Conference being rescheduled.
While I understand the reasons for cancelling and rescheduling, it is sad to see that everyone involved is on the losing end of this stick. The organizers and attendees to be sure, but also the hoteliers, convention center, city, restaurants, shops, attractions, and hardworking employees of all of the above. They all lose. We all lose.
Stay Updated
- For my Meeting and Conference planning friends that have events in Baltimore this week and next, Visit Baltimore is doing a great job of keeping everyone in the loop.
The Cancellation Statements
CoNEXTions 2015 Cancellation Public Statement
On April 27, 2015 the Governor of Maryland declared a State of Emergency bringing in the National Guard to support the Baltimore police in the midst of violent demonstrations after the funeral of Freddie Gray. The DHI Board of Governors discussed these factors and the deteriorating conditions in Baltimore in great detail the evening of April 27th. With the overriding concern for the safety of our attendees while at our event in Baltimore the Board decided to cancel CoNEXTions 2015. Additionally, we were hosting a technical education class in the city that has now been moved to our headquarters in Chantilly, VA.
The City of Baltimore was exceptional throughout this process as they worked closely with us to ensure that we had up-to-the-minute information in order to make the most informed decisions for our members and attendees. There are significant financial ramifications of this decision that were discussed at length before this decision was made. The impact goes well beyond DHI and our exhibitors and attendees, to include service providers, speakers, as well as the local economy. This was a decision that was not taken lightly but the safety and security of our members and attendees is our highest priority
The American Heart Association’s Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Scientific Sessions Public Statement
Dear QCOR Attendees:
You have undoubtedly seen news reports of the growing unrest in Baltimore. After speaking with local authorities, hotel management and the Convention and Visitors Bureau we have decided to cancel the 2015 QCOR conference due to the potential for additional violence. Your safety and well-being are our highest concerns. In the coming days, our staff will:
-Continue to provide attendee updates as they become available
-Discuss what steps we might take to credit your registration fees
-Provide you with information in the event you would like to consider donating your registration fees to help offset the cost of the meeting cancellationThank you for your continued dedication to Quality of Care and Outcomes Research.
The Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) statement
NEWS: After conferring with the Baltimore convention center, city officials and mission partners, AFCEA has decided to reschedule the Defensive Cyber Operations Symposium. Additional information available on the symposium website.
Stay safe out there kiddies. It is a crazy world we live in.
