A Message from the Executive Director
Dear AMA Members, Supporters, and Friends, I write to you to provide an update on what you’ve been waiting for: the status of AMA’s Annual Convention in November. First, thank you to the many of you who participated in our event survey. As the conditions surrounding the pandemic have changed significantly, with our community cases on the alarming rise and with hospitals overwhelmed, we were forced to look at our event in a different fashion than when we began this spring. Ultimately, the AMA Convention and Executive Committee came to you with a survey to ask your thoughts on the following areas of concern: n Can the AMA Annual Convention be held in a way that keeps attendees and communities safe and healthy?
We have elected to move forward with an in-person event, but we anticipate changes may be necessary to adapt to the conditions we encounter the first week of November. AMA will employ whatever protection measures and safety protocols are necessary to safely execute our event. It is impossible to know exactly what we will face two months from now. Cases, hospital capacity, and vaccination status could be improved, like what was seen in Europe when the Delta Variant emerged. If so, we are prepared to loosen restrictions for the event. However, we may see the situation worsen, and if that is the case, we will respond with tightened restrictions. We are currently working with the venues, local government, and health resources to develop a Mitigation Plan for the event which will constantly adapt to the
conditions. Some elements of this Plan may or may not include, and is not limited to: n Potential requirement to submit proof of vaccination, special exemption of vaccination, and/or proof of negative COVID test prior to event n Potential event policy that all attendees must wear masks with zero tolerance policy and third-party security monitoring n Potential to eliminate breakfasts, luncheons, Icebreaker Reception, Banquet and other dining-related events from the Convention schedule n Offering of virtual access to events for any participant who cannot or would prefer not to attend in-person To reiterate, none of this is a foregone conclusion. But we are prepared to make these decisions as the situation warrants. We commit to open communication with you
n If an event is held in-person, can we maintain our reputation as an industry that constantly adapts with current conditions to achieve our mission in the most safe and responsible manner? n How can we proceed in a way that maximizes the financial benefits for the Association, but also for the vendors and attendees that invest resources in their in- person participation? This survey saw greater response than any AMA survey in the last 10 years. Your feedback provided honest opinions, new ideas, and outside-of-the-box suggestions. The Convention and Executive Committees reviewed the responses and met to discuss a path forward. And while it is clear that no decision could be made that would truly make everyone happy, we believe we have found the best compromise and the best fit for our event and for AMA.
Executive Board Bill Jeffress, President SRK Consulting, Anchorage Bartly Kleven, First Vice President Kinross-Fort Knox, Fairbanks Lorali Simon, Second Vice President Kim Aasand, Treasurer Aasand & Glore LLC, Anchorage
Branch Chairmen Ted Hawley, Anchorage Lorali Simon, Denali Jen Wieland, Fairbanks
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