Symposium postponed due to COVID-19
March 20, 2020
Dear Symposium Speakers, Registrants, and Sponsors,
In response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) request to cancel mass gatherings as part of the public health and safety response to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Docomomo US and Docomomo US/Chicago have decided to postpone our National Symposium that was scheduled for June 2020 in Chicago.
We have an excellent program of speakers, tours and events scheduled and it is incredibly sad to have to make this hard decision. As many of you know, Docomomo US National Symposiums are a labor of love organized by a committee of volunteers, local and national Docomomo US Board members and our small staff. Our Symposium, more than anything, is about bringing our community together and having an opportunity to experience great Modern architecture and landscapes. To that end, we do not intend to cancel the event outright or hold virtual sessions. We hope our community can still come together and experience the exceptional program Chicago has prepared for you.
While this decision was made for the health and well-being of our community, it could have severe financial consequences for Docomomo US.
We ask those of you who planned to join us in Chicago for your patience and consideration as we work to reschedule the Symposium. We are currently in the process of exploring dates in the fall of 2020 and in the spring of 2021. We are working to reconfirm dates with hotels, venues and all vendors, which will take some time.
We are also exploring options for you including issuing vouchers for the rescheduled program or future Symposiums. If you can allow us to hold your registration or sponsorship, we thank you! If you do not think you will be able to join us, and would like a refund, please contact Docomomo US staff directly by emailing info@docomomo-us.org or calling 347-688-2177 before May 4, 2020, the original registration cancellation date. Full refunds for registration and tours will be provided and no administration fees will be charged before this date. No requests for refunds will be considered after this date. If you cannot join us but would like to donate your registration, we are grateful for any and all support. Refunds will take approximately four to six weeks to process and will be made via the original payment method.
If you have a room reserved at Hotel Chicago, please call (877) 829-2429 to cancel your reservation. If you have a room reserved at the Royal Sonesta Riverfront Chicago, there is nothing you need to do. They are automatically sending cancellation notices to guests.
In the meantime, we will continue to monitor communications from the CDC, the World Health Organization and the and the Illinois Department of Public Health for regional/local updates. Additional updates will be made available on our website and the rescheduled dates will be shared with you directly when available.
While we are postponing the Symposium, rest assured that all other activities of Docomomo US, including our ongoing advocacy for our modern heritage, will continue without interruption. Our commitment and capabilities remain as strong as ever, especially with the strong and continuing support of our members, our volunteers, and our sponsors.
We hope everyone stays safe and healthy during these uncertain times.
Sincerely,
Liz Waytkus
Docomomo US Executive Director
On behalf of the Docomomo US Board of Directors and the Chicago Symposium Committee