Thursday, February 18, 2021

2021 AM/PIC Shifted to Virtual Platform

 Dear NACAA Members,

12 months ago; I was traveling home from a Face-to-Face Extension Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas!   Today I am writing to you from my “Home” office in northern Pennsylvania.  My extension programs have had to turn, been adapted and or shifted, just like I have heard from many of you also.

As you are all aware, our 2021 Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference (AM/PIC) is scheduled in downtown Philadelphia July 4-8, 2021.  Over the last several months the NACAA Board of Directors has been monitoring the ever-changing situation with COVID-19.

With so many uncertainties at hand (the safety and well-being of our members, hotel room capacities, slow-roll out of vaccinations, time needed to plan an in-person event, travel restrictions, etc.) the decision has been made that NACAA will need to hold our AM/PIC virtually for 2021.  NACAA has been able to successfully negotiate out of our contractual obligation with the Downtown Philadelphia Marriott.

The Northeast region has done a remarkable job of planning an exciting in-person meeting, but the circumstances at hand just became impossible to fulfill that preferred method of meeting.  We wish to thank the Northeast region for bidding to host this meeting 4 years ago and do hope in the future to hold our AM/PIC once again in the Northeast when conditions improve.

Although exact details of what type of virtual platform will be utilized for the 2021 AM/PIC are still being determined, we wanted you to be aware of the decision and plan to hold the dates of July 6-9 (a shortened 3+-day event) for this year’s virtual AM/PIC. 

The NACAA Board of Directors, National Committee leadership and the NE host region planning committee will have significant involvement in planning an even more robust virtual offering to you.  We do plan to implement several additional elements to this year’s platform including more interaction between members, award winner honor celebrations, presenters, and sponsors/exhibitors.  We look forward to your involvement and participation.

More details regarding registration, meeting offerings and timelines will be shared in the near future.  Until then, save the date, stay safe and continue your phenomenal role of Extension Educators to the best of your ability.  Our world is ever-changing, but if anyone can “pivot” when needed, it is you!

Thank you again for your understanding and your support of NACAA!

J. Craig Williams   NACAA President

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