Dear IRWA Members and Conference Registrants,

The International Executive Committee (IEC) has made the difficult decision to cancel this year's IRWA Annual Education Conference that was to be held June 21 – 24, 2020 in Minneapolis due to the health concerns of COVID-19. While this decision and its impacts weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of the IEC, we are ultimately unwilling to put the health and wellness of our members at risk.

The IEC would like to recognize and thank Minnesota North Star Chapter 20's Conference Committee and volunteers. This is a heartbreaking turn of events for these members in particular, and we know Minneapolis 2020 would have been a wonderful experience.

Registration and sponsorship refunds will be made over the course of the next several weeks. Please work directly with the hotel and travel partners to cancel reservations. The Hilton Minneapolis has been notified of the Conference cancellation.

Additionally, the IEC and staff are evaluating a virtual Board of Director's meeting and the possibility of virtual education options. Once determined, additional communication will be sent membership-wide. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we actively work through the logistics of next steps.

Lastly, the IEC encourages Region and Chapter leadership to host upcoming meetings virtually. IRWA can offer support using BlueJeans video conferencing. Please contact Jade Meador, Director of Events at 310-538-0233, x 146 or meador@irwaonline.org for assistance.

Sincerely,