MPSA Statement Regarding COVID-19, March 3, 2020
MPSA is closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and is taking all developments very seriously, especially as they relate to our upcoming annual conference in Chicago. The health and safety of all of our members, staff, and volunteers are our highest priorities. The MPSA conference is currently expected to proceed as scheduled. We are following the guidance of local and state governmental authorities, and will provide updates as they become available.
Attendees who are not able to travel to the conference will be able to present their paper virtually, by recording a narrated PowerPoint. We encourage all presenters to upload these presentations so they can be viewed by attendees who may not be able to physically attend the meeting.
We are also scheduling two sessions per timeslot that will be completely virtual, with comments and discussion from any attendee who has logged onto the sessions. The MPSA will also record two roundtables per time slot that are on topics of general interest. These will be lightly edited with some uploaded that evening.
The Palmer House Hilton has detailed safety and security procedures. MPSA has arranged for the hotel to add additional hand sanitizing stations in public spaces. MPSA encourages attendees to follow recommended precautions to prevent transmissions of any infectious diseases. Please review these resources on COVID-19 and health and safety while traveling.
Currently only a few dozen individuals have notified us that they cannot physically attend the conference. Registrations are on pace with previous years, and we have received no cancellations from exhibitors. We will continue to monitor the situation and of course will be in discussion with health authorities and the Association’s volunteer leaders as the meeting gets closer.
Sincerely,
Sarah Binder William Morgan
MPSA President, 2019-2020 MPSA Executive Director