Virtual Conference in May, Other Event Transitions Announced
ACUI unveiled plans to host a Virtual Conference, May 20–21, as a replacement educational offering for the in-person 2020 Annual Conference.
Focused on the health and safety of members as coronavirus concerns grew, in early March, the ACUI Board of Trustees made the decision to postpone the 2020 Annual Conference, scheduled to be in Atlanta, March 12–18. The board then asked the Central Office and Conference Program Team to determine the next steps for this year’s conference.
Multiple options were investigated, including alternative dates for the in-person experience; however, the fluid situation with institutional, state, and national response to the coronavirus led to the final decision to forgo the in-person experience and focus on providing a relevant, accessible, and impactful virtual experience.
The Virtual Conference will offer two days of educational content and networking opportunities. Attendees can choose between 24 educational sessions over six blocks, and ACUI is proud to provide three out of the four original all-conference sessions: Radha Agrawal Keynote, Laila Ireland Keynote, and the Voices of ACUI Panel. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to network with one another and exhibitors and engage in various virtual experiences, such as Drag Bingo.
The conference schedule and FAQ may be found online.
OTHER ACUI EVENT UPDATES
ACUI also made the decision to transition upcoming seminars for June and July into virtual educational opportunities. This includes IPDS: New Professionals Orientation, the Aspiring Directors Institute, the Student Organizations Institute, and the Institute for Leadership Education and Development (I-LEAD®). Staff and volunteer teams are currently working on curriculum and how to best disseminate virtually. More information will be shared later this month.
Additionally, ACUI continues to work on solutions for two other large events that were scheduled for March. Staff are in the final stages of planning an alternative Collegiate Clay Target Championships experience, and, with the support of volunteers, have continued to connect with the collegiate poetry slam community to provide a space for poets to share their art.
