[Libs-Or] Latest Information on ALA/CLA Annual Conference in Toronto

[Wyma Rogers]

This information came from the ALA Chapter Relations Office
On Behalf Of Michael Dowling
Sent:	Thursday, May 29, 2003 8:01 AM

Latest information regarding ALA Annual Conference in Toronto
May 28, 2003

Does the American Library Association (ALA) plan to cancel its conference in
Toronto?
As of May 28, the ALA plans to continue with its 2003 Annual Meeting in
Toronto, June 19-25.  Members of the ALA Executive Board talked today with a
member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) medical team
to gather the most complete information possible. In addition, the ALA
Executive Board discussed the most recent updates from the CDC and World
Health Organization (WHO). ALA leaders and staff continue to monitor the
situation closely, and the Executive Board plans to meet regularly leading
up to the conference.
ALA members are encouraged to review all information available from medical
authorities in relationship to their own health situations and concerns and
make the decision that is best for them.
Don't the new SARS cases in Toronto change things?
While new cases of SARS have been reported in Toronto, the WHO and CDC are
not now recommending any restrictions on travel to the city.  Based on
current information from these health authorities, the ALA is continuing
with plans to hold its Annual Conference in Toronto.
The CDC has re-instated a travel alert providing advice about specific
travel precautions http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/sars_can.htm, but has no
plans at this time to issue an advisory since all of the reported cases have
been hospital based and not in the wider community. For the latest
information from the WHO, visit http://www.who.int/csr/sars/en/.
Is it too late to cancel the conference?
No. The health of our members, staff, exhibitors and wider library community
is our top priority.  The most recent SARS cases appear to still be
contained in hospital settings.  If this were to change, the ALA would take
this into consideration.  We will not ignore any new developments.
Can individuals get refunds on registration fees?
Although the original cancellation deadline was May 19, 2003, cancellations
will be honored from now until Annual Conference. However, because of the
proximity to Annual Conference, a $40 processing fee per event
(pre-conference and regular registration) will have to be applied.  If you
would like to request a refund, you can e-mail your requests to
registration at ala.org or fax your request to 312-280-1538.
Can exhibitors get their registrations refunded?
The date for exhibitors to cancel and receive a refund was April 11.  Under
these extraordinary circumstances, however, the ALA will be more flexible
with policies.  Therefore, exhibitors who cancel after April 11 will receive
a 50 percent credit towards ALA 2004 Annual Conference, after an
administrative processing fee of $100 per 100 square feet is deducted.  So,
if you had a 10 X 10 booth, you will receive an $850 credit toward your
booth space in Orlando.  Unfortunately, the ALA cannot award a year of
exhibitor seniority to exhibitors that do not attend the 2003 Annual
Conference.
What are the current registration numbers?  Have people cancelled in light
of the new cases?
As of May 22, about 9,700 attendees were registered - which is comparable to
Annual Conference last year in Atlanta.  Since April, ALA has received about
1,000 cancellations (which would have brought our numbers to approximately
10,700).