The American Alliance of Museums has decided to cancel its 2020 Annual Meeting and MuseumExpo because of the rapid developments of COVID-19.
AAM has made this difficult decision because of the rapid spread of the virus, the latest CDC guidelines, and the executive orders issued by the State of California and the City of San Francisco.
AAM staff have been monitoring the situation over the past few weeks. The first AAM annual meeting was held in 1906 and since then it has only been cancelled in wartime. Although AAM recognises how important this face-to-face event is for many people, the safety and health of participants and local communities has to be the priority.
AAM can confirm that all hotel reservations made through the AAM housing website will be cancelled automatically. Any credit cards that were used to hold rooms have not been charged.
By Friday, April 10th, the organisation hopes to share more information about a virtual program to provide learning opportunities. Information about registration refunds, transfers, donations, substitutions and more will be released on its website and via email.
Continuing to advocate for help
The AAM is committed to providing support to museums and cultural institutions in this difficult and unprecedented time. The Alliance is advocating for financial assistance from both local and federal governments for it’s members.
AAM President and CEO Laura L Lott thanks members for their support. “Museums will be vital to our nation’s recovery from this pandemic, and we will need to work together to strengthen the field” she said.
“There is no Alliance without you”.
Photo by © AAM/Matt Herp 2019
