Jeff, I think financially it is best to have it virtual. As you stated, folks may/will hesitate to see what is happening with the virus(es) and we could be left with expenses. Unless, venues are willing to be flexible regarding refunds if given enough notice. And....virtually will mean certain safety to attend without flying and being in groups of people at the conference.
Whatever you decide, I am available. Just tell me where to be at what time!
Since there's still so much unknown about the Delta variant (and potentially other variants), booster shots, etc., I think it would be best to have the conference be virtual next year. As much as I would like to attend in-person and connect with other attendees, I think it would be better to err on the side of caution rather than plan for an in-person event and have to change the format if things don't improve (or potentially get worse).
Hi Jeff, I love this conference and it is such an important space for talking about topics related to relationships that few other mainstream conferences are addressing! I agree that it is a dilemma and an unknown about next year. My vote like the others here is to make it virtual because you can change your mind closer to next May and have a hybrid (in-person and virtual conference) based on where everyone is coming from but you cannot decide in the other direction without some cost or consequence. I also think many things are going to be virtual for at least another year (my reading of the tea leaves) because I think the virus is still mutating (we now have Delta Plus in India) and we may not have seen what it can do in other developing countries. Some of these mutations are also breaking through with vaccinated folks -- that is a huge problem. Overall, planning a virtual conference with an option to go live seems the best of the two worlds. I would love to present again and will send in a proposal when I see the call for proposals. Thank you for asking the community! Vagdevi
Please let us know what you think! All ideas are welcome.
Jeff, I think financially it is best to have it virtual. As you stated, folks may/will hesitate to see what is happening with the virus(es) and we could be left with expenses. Unless, venues are willing to be flexible regarding refunds if given enough notice. And....virtually will mean certain safety to attend without flying and being in groups of people at the conference.
Whatever you decide, I am available. Just tell me where to be at what time!
Til then, Susan
Thanks Susan!
Since there's still so much unknown about the Delta variant (and potentially other variants), booster shots, etc., I think it would be best to have the conference be virtual next year. As much as I would like to attend in-person and connect with other attendees, I think it would be better to err on the side of caution rather than plan for an in-person event and have to change the format if things don't improve (or potentially get worse).
Thanks Alan!
Hi Jeff, I love this conference and it is such an important space for talking about topics related to relationships that few other mainstream conferences are addressing! I agree that it is a dilemma and an unknown about next year. My vote like the others here is to make it virtual because you can change your mind closer to next May and have a hybrid (in-person and virtual conference) based on where everyone is coming from but you cannot decide in the other direction without some cost or consequence. I also think many things are going to be virtual for at least another year (my reading of the tea leaves) because I think the virus is still mutating (we now have Delta Plus in India) and we may not have seen what it can do in other developing countries. Some of these mutations are also breaking through with vaccinated folks -- that is a huge problem. Overall, planning a virtual conference with an option to go live seems the best of the two worlds. I would love to present again and will send in a proposal when I see the call for proposals. Thank you for asking the community! Vagdevi
Thanks Vagdevi!