Released: 12:00 p.m.
The ACA Governing Council made the difficult and heartbreaking, but unavoidable, decision to cancel the ACA 2020 Conference & Expo, the pre-conference Learning Institutes, and all other events associated with the conference.
The carefully considered decision was made as a direct result of the spread of COVID-19 and the announcement by the World Health Organization declaring the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. The health and safety of our conference attendees, partners and staff was paramount to the decision.
Additionally, given employers, higher education institutions, and governmental agencies putting restrictions on travel and mass gatherings, including the announcement on March 12, by California Governor Gavin Newsom encouraging mass gatherings be postponed or cancelled statewide to stop the spread of COVID-19, which was followed by San Diego County prohibiting, in the near term, “large gatherings” and the announcement by county health officials that there was likely community transmission of COVID-19, it is impossible to offer the conference experience in a safe environment attendees expect and deserve, and impractical to require our conference participants to plan to attend, in such circumstances.
We were excited to be convening 4,000 participants in San Diego in April to provide community and connection for professional counselors. We had a wonderful program of events planned, and we share in your disappointment.
The decision was not made lightly, but cancellation was unavoidable in these circumstances. We continue to work diligently toward our mission and thank you for your continued support of the counseling profession and ACA.
If you have made hotel reservations as part of the ACA room blocks, please cancel those reservations. The phone numbers for the hotels are: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, 800-233-1234 | OMNI San Diego, 800-843-6664 | Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego, 800-362-2779.
Will the conference be postponed?
No. Unfortunately, it is not feasible for ACA to postpone the conference to a later date.
What happens to my current 2020 ACA Conference registration?
You will receive an email with your ACA ID number and a link to provide your choice of three options:
- Transfer registration to next year’s conference (Orlando March 18-21, 2021)
- Pay membership dues and refund the balance
- Refund entire balance
You will receive an email within 24 business hours of submitting your information. Please wait 24 business hours before contacting our Membership Engagement Team on the status of your refund. Funds can be expected within 45 days after processing.
What happens to my Learning Institute registrations?
All Learning Institute (LI) registrations will be cancelled and refunded.
Will ACA offer virtual sessions?
No. Travel restrictions are keeping our presenters home.
What about my travel plans?
Please contact your airline and hotel providers as soon as possible. We strongly suggest that you get cancellation confirmation from travel providers in writing.