Dear ASHEcon Members and Friends,
After careful consideration, the ASHEcon Board of Directors has made the decision to hold the 2021 ASHEcon conference virtually rather than in-person. This is due in large part to the ongoing threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the vaccine most likely not widely available until the summer, we believe it would be impossible to gather hundreds of people together in hotel conference rooms without risking the health and safety of our members. Further, there are travel restrictions and bans on gatherings that impede our ability to hold a meeting in Washington, DC. In addition, the hotel at which we were booked has closed, also because of the pandemic. Finally, we also recognize that many institutions have made cuts to travel budgets due to the pandemic, making it difficult for many members to participate in an in-person conference.
However, we will still hold a full 3 day conference on June 21-23, over the original conference dates. We will include a full complement of sessions and plenary talks. The Board felt it was important to offer a larger conference this year, with nearly as many sessions as we usually have, in order to maximize the amount of research presented and to ensure that as many researchers as possible get a chance to participate. More information about the conference format will be shared with you soon.
Notifications about conference submissions will go out in early March. Like last year, registration rates for the conference will be significantly reduced. However, while the registration rates are substantially below standard ASHEcon conference rates, unlike last year, they are not optional. ASHEcon depends on conference registrations to cover our costs and support both the conference and the various activities ASHEcon brings to you. The registration rates are as follows:
| Member Type | Rate |
| ASHEcon Member | $100 |
| Non-Member | $200 |
| ASHEcon Student Member | $50 |
| Non-Member Student | $100 |
On behalf of the ASHEcon Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support and understanding.
May you and yours be well. I look forward to seeing you online in June and in person at a later date.
Martin Gaynor
ASHEcon President