Canceled: TAM 2020 On-site Annual Meeting

Dear Colleagues,

As the TAM board has been hard at work planning the 2020 Tennessee Association of Museums Annual Meeting, we have been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 as well as the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, the TAM board sent a message to conference attendees with the update that the TAM 2020 Annual Meeting was moving forward as planned based on information available at that time. We also let you know that we created and appointed a separate Task Force to monitor the situation as the information about the epidemic remained fluid and was evolving rapidly, to create a safety and health precaution and preparedness plan for the conference, to recommend changes, and communicate any updates.

After careful deliberation and consideration of the information available as of this time, the TAM Board of Directors have concluded, with regret, that we cannot proceed with the annual meeting in-person next week in Kingsport, Tennessee.

This decision was not made lightly. This decision was made for the health and safety of our attendees, members, exhibitors, and staff.

·      All attendees should cancel hotel reservations immediately, directly with your hotel, to avoid possible penalties.

The TAM 2020 Annual Meeting was our 60^th Anniversary, and to cancel an on-site gathering to celebrate and commemorate this milestone is a heavy loss. However, our TAM members have always been the lifeblood of the association, and it is your best interest for which the board is responsible. For all of us, TAM has played an important professional and personal role in our lives.

It is important for you to know that this decision carries with it significant financial implications for TAM, including loss of revenue and penalty fees associated with contractual obligations. The TAM board is considering options, including online alternatives. We will also be considering the financial implications of a partial refund policy in the coming weeks. No decisions can be made at this time, and until the full financial impact of this decision is assessed.

We ask for your patience and that you please refrain from contacting TAM during this time period as we work through this emergency period and our response protocol.