2021 AALL ANNUAL MEETING & CONFERENCE TO BE HELD VIRTUALLY
2020 was a year of firsts—our first year facing a worldwide pandemic, our first year navigating our (mostly) fully remote lives, and our first year holding a virtual Annual Meeting & Conference. During a time that brought many unforeseen challenges, your AALL community remained dedicated to providing you with the resources and education you need for continued success. After careful consideration of the continued COVID-19 pandemic and related government restrictions, AALL has been forced to transition the 2021 AALL Annual Meeting & Conference from an in-person meeting to an online virtual experience, which will take place in July 2021.
Your health and safety are our priority in any decisions we make. The availability of a vaccine is a very positive development following a year marked by constant setbacks. While the current process for distribution is encouraging, it is dependent on many variables that remain unknown and are constantly changing. The current restrictions in Cleveland, such as limits on indoor gatherings, and major reductions in inbound and outbound flights, makes it impracticable for AALL to plan for an in-person Annual Meeting & Conference. For these reasons, transitioning to a fully Virtual 2021 Annual Meeting & Conference is in the best interests of AALL and its members.
We remain excited that almost 1,300 attendees joined us last July for the 2020 AALL Virtual Conference. In follow-up surveys, you provided us with very useful feedback, and—like many of you—we have learned so much about best practices for virtual education this year. We are looking to offer an even more engaging, fun, and interactive experience for everyone.
As you may recall, the call for program proposals for the 2021 Annual Meeting & Conference included a question about whether the proposed program could be offered virtually. The Annual Meeting Program Committee (AMPC) will soon meet virtually to select programs. AALL has also extended the deadlines for grants and scholarships to May 1, 2021. As we move forward with planning for a virtual conference that best meets your needs, we request that you complete a brief (three-question) survey by Friday, February 5, 2021.
The AALL Executive Board, headquarters staff, committee members, and volunteers continue to work diligently on your behalf to advance the legal information profession and support your professional growth. Your ongoing support of and participation in AALL are essential and valued, and your understanding and patience during this time are also appreciated.
If you have questions or comments, please call AALL Headquarters at 312.939.4764 or email leadership@aall.org. AALL will keep you informed as planning progresses.
As always, thank you for your time, thoughts, and patience as we move forward toward our virtual conference.
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| Emily R. Florio AALL PresidentAALL Executive Board Members | Vani Ungapen AALL Executive DirectorAALL Headquarters Staff |