Join us in Naples and Kansas City
The AEA is continuously monitoring the global health situation and its impact on our events, and each region offers unique challenges and opportunities.
We have seen a lot of positive signs in recent weeks, as we have conducted four full weeks of training at AEA headquarters in Lee's Summit, Missouri, and had no health issues. In talking with the attendees at our training courses, it's clear everyone was eager to meet face to face again and willing to accept a few minor inconveniences to stay safe.
Even with the recent decline in new cases and the encouraging signs from in-person events, the stringent state and local restrictions on gatherings in California have forced us to cancel the AEA West Connect Conference scheduled for October 27-28 in Irvine, California. We explored several alternatives in other cities in the West region, but all come with constraints that will prevent us from meeting this year.
In the meantime, we are focusing our efforts on our two remaining conferences in Naples, Florida, and Kansas City, Missouri.
The AEA is working together with our hotel partners to ensure safe meetings that follow established protocols along with guidance from the CDC and local governments. The following are just some of the steps being taken to help ensure our safety.
- PPE kits for every attendee and exhibitor.
- Seating a minimum of 6 feet apart in oversized meeting rooms.
- Exhibit hall will be set up to allow one-way traffic.
- Exhibitors will be behind their tables to allow for social distancing.
- Masks will be required in the exhibit hall during the open hours.
- Food and beverage services will be altered to minimize contact.
As we continue preparing for these two Connect Conferences, we will share the health and safety protocols being implemented to ensure your safety. Please join us for one of these two events that will bring members back together and safely deliver training and networking opportunities as well as a path forward for our industry!
To register for the AEA East Connect Conference in Naples (September 23-24), click here.
To register for the AEA Central Connect Conference in Kansas City (October 19-20), click here.
AEA Canada Connect Conference Canceled
The prime minister recently extended travel restrictions limiting travel to Canada due to COVID-19. Until further notice, most foreign nationals cannot travel to Canada. Even those who do must have a 14-day quarantine plan upon arrival.
With these restrictions in place for the foreseeable future, the AEA has decided to cancel our Connect Conference scheduled for November 9-10 in Calgary, Alberta. The 2021 Connect Conference meetings dates and locations will be announced in the near future.
We apologize for any inconvenience, and we look forward to reconnecting again next year. In the meantime, we plan to schedule a virtual round-table discussion later this fall to share valuable regulatory and technical information with AEA members in Canada.
Until then, stay safe and healthy!
Mike Adamson
AEA President and CEO