Hello CASLI,

ASL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsFFSN-wiHQ&feature=youtu.be
 
In this season of unprecedented turns and unpredictable changes, we have made the decision to cancel the CASLI 2020 Conference.   

This decision was not made lightly. Rather, it was made with research, regard, and reflection. The Conference Planning Committee and the CASLI board have been working diligently since news first broke on the public health crisis and the effects COVID-19 was having on conferences, conventions, and other public gatherings across the country.  The health and wellbeing of our members continues to be at the forefront of our work.  

Our discussions on options available to us culminated in a motion being carried at Saturday’s board meeting to officially cancel the conference. As much as we had hoped for a different outcome and were hoping for a flattened curve and safer social gatherings, we decided the best course of action was to cancel the conference and put energies into other great things.

We are working to with the CPC to finalize current committee work, to resolve contracts, and to communicate with conference partners about this decision.  We have already started work on lessening the operational and financial impacts the cancellation will have on us as an association. Part of this work includes refunding conference registrations. We will be in touch soon with those who’ve registered.

Already ideas are being shared around how we might capitalize on the work the CPC has done over these past few years. Suggestions of webinars for members to learn from presenters who would have shared their work and expertise live in Vancouver have been made. Other ideas are sure to come in.

CASLI and the CASLI 2020 Conference Planning Committee was looking forward to collaborating with CAD-ASC at this year’s conference to strengthen the partnership between our associations. We hope to continue this collaboration with whatever events we might host next.

We want to thank the CASLI 2020 Conference Planning Committee for the years of hard work they have put into what would have been a phenomenal conference. We recognize the time and energy that the volunteers invested into the committee’s work. This year’s theme 2020 Clear Vision: Culture, Intersectionality & Diversity would have underpinned workshops and presentations showcasing the complexity of our profession, the diversity of our membership, and the wide breadth of not just the work we do but how we do it. The three conference chairpersons, Caroline Tetreault, Diana Lane, and Nigel Howard led this committee from its inception right through to today. Again, to the entire committee, thank you.

In uncertain times, a decision – as hard as it may be – lends itself to certainty.

As always, we are open to any question or comment you might have.  Please reach out to us at our @casli emails addresses. The idea of this conference came from members.  The next idea of what CASLI will do will also come from you. 
 
Thank you,

CASLI board and the CASLI 2020 Conference Planning Committee