AWRA Goes Virtual
President's Message | May 15, 2020
I hope all are doing well under the circumstances as the Nation prepares to move forward into the summer months. We at AWRA have been very busy the last several weeks reassessing our Member offerings, researching virtual options for previously scheduled in-person conferences, and keeping our robust webinar series and publications moving forward.
We recently announced that the AWRA 2020 Annual Water Resources Conference originally scheduled to take place in Florida in November will now be held virtually. The Florida Planning Committee and a new Virtual Conference and Technology Task Force have worked hard to identify promising platforms and formats for carrying off a successful virtual meeting while maintaining and even enhancing content and opportunities for learning, sharing, and networking that you’ve come to know and expect. The enthusiasm with which our announcement was received and the energy and creativity of our volunteers working on these options make me very optimistic we can put on a great event. So please, take advantage of the new June 30 abstract submission deadline and make plans to join us in November. We hope to make a similar announcement soon for the rescheduled 2020 Spring Specialty Conference and the Symposium in honor of David Maidment. Thank you to all who have and continue to help us with these efforts!
We know nothing can beat in-person meetings and want to assure you that as soon as we are confident that we can do so safely, we will again hold such events. We agree it’s disappointing to not meet in-person; however, we’re excited for this new possibility as there are many promising options for presenters, attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors alike. Also, going virtual will allow more people to participate. Especially those whose employers or universities did not support travel or who couldn’t attend for other reasons.
Another AWRA Task Force is working on expanding our Member offerings through new, focused webinar series, possible “lunch & learn” sessions and other opportunities to connect. Please stay tuned for updates and announcements regarding these new offerings. If you have ideas to share, please contact our CEO Dresden Farrand ([email protected]). And remember to visit our Webinar Center, aceess issues of Water Resources IMPACT Magazine, and JAWRA (the Journal of the American Water Resources Association). All of this, and more can be found via the AWRA website.
We always appreciate hearing from you. Please feel free to correspond with me directly at [email protected]. Be safe and stay well.
Betsy Cody is the 2020 president of AWRA.