Cancellation of the 2020 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo

Due to rapidly escalating health concerns relating to the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the 2020 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo in Montréal, Canada, has been cancelled.

AOCS leadership has been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19, as well as advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the Public Health Agency of Canada regarding risks associated with international conferences and other large gatherings in enclosed spaces. The decision to cancel the meeting was based on deep concern for the health and well-being of our registrants, staff, vendors, and the Montréal community guests. As this situation continues to evolve, AOCS leadership cannot, in good conscience, move forward with the 2020 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo. Simply put, it has become abundantly clear that it is impossible to hold the Annual Meeting & Expo in a manner in which we could reasonably ensure the health and safety of all participants and the surrounding community.

For further updates, please visit the 2020 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo website.

Why was the meeting cancelled?
Due to rapidly escalating health concerns relating to the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it became impossible to hold the 2020 AOCS Annual Meeting and Expo in a manner in which we could reasonably ensure the safety of all participants and the surrounding community. 

Will my registration fee for the meeting and/or pre-meeting short courses be refunded?
Yes, your registration fee for the meeting and/or pre-meeting short courses will be refunded. Refunds will be issued in the order in which registration payments were received. If you previously cancelled your registration, you will be refunded any cancellation fees previously charged to you. Please allow at least 30 days for us to process your refund.

Will AOCS help with refunds related to travel and hotel expenses?
For those who booked through official AOCS housing (Orchid Events), AOCS will cancel and no action needs to be taken on your part. You will receive a cancellation notice through Orchid. For questions, please contact Orchid Events at 877-505-0688 or by email at help@orchid.events.

AOCS cannot assist with hotel reservations booked outside of official AOCS housing. Please contact the provider directly.

Most transportation providers have implemented special provisions in response to COVID-19. Please contact the transportation provider directly.

I am an exhibitor. How do I request a refund or transfer my booth to a future AOCS meeting?
We will contact you concerning next steps to request a refund or transfer your booth to a future AOCS meeting. Please allow at least 30 days for us to contact you with options and information.

I am a presenter (oral, poster, or award winner). Are there alternative presentation options to share my research?
We are developing ways for members to disseminate their research despite the circumstances. Please complete this form to let us know how we can help you share your research.

As a reminder, AOCS hosts webinars for members and non-members to share their research. All Annual Meeting presenters are pre-qualified to present an AOCS webinar. Please complete this form to begin the process.

For AOCS members, you receive a 25% discount off of open-access fees when publishing in AOCS journals. Please visit https://authorservices.wiley.com/author-resources/Journal-Authors/open-access/onlineopen.html for more information.

I am a presenter that already cancelled. Can I also participate in alternative presentation options?
Yes! Please complete this form to let us know how we can help you share your research.

I am a committee member. What are the plans for our scheduled committee meeting?
You will be contacted by your staff liaison. Please allow at least 30 days for us to contact you.

I am an award winner. How will I receive my award?
You will be contacted by your staff liaison. Please allow at least 30 days for us to contact you.

Other questions or concerns?
Please see the contact list below.

Registration
Karen Kesler
Email: karen.kesler@aocs.org 
Phone:  +1 217-693-4813

Housing
Ryan D. Reid, Manager, Meetings and Exhibits
Email: ryan.reid@aocs.org
Phone +1 217-693-4843

Exhibits & Sponsorships
Tisha Sarver, Meetings and Exhibits Specialist
Email: tisha.sarver@aocs.org
Phone: +1 217-693-4831

Advertising
Sterling Bollman, Advertising, Exhibit and Sponsorships Sales
Email: sterling.bollman@aocs.org
Phone: +1 217-693-4901

Committee Meetings
Please contact your staff liaison.

Alternative Presentation Options
Amy Garren, Director, Brand and Digital Strategy
Email: amy.garren@aocs.org
Phone: +1 217-693-4836

General Questions Related to the Cancellation of the 2020 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo
Jeffry L. Newman, Senior Director, Programs
Email: jnewman@aocs.org
Phone: +1 217-693-4816