COVID-19 Conference Updates

Updated: 4.7.20

It is with much regret that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 Children’s Literature Association Conference, scheduled for June 18-20, 2020, in Bellevue, WA.

We have made this decision based upon the facts we have at this time: namely, the rapid, devastating spread of the novel coronavirus and the many disruptions and uncertainties that have resulted, including the difficulty or impossibility of travel, especially for international and immunocompromised members. The annual conference provides a meaningful opportunity to meet and collaborate to examine children’s literature, to reunite with friends and colleagues, and to perform and sustain our professional work. We understand how disappointing this decision may be, and we thank the conference organizers, Michelle Martin and Liz Mills, for their excellent work. Yet your health, safety, and well-being are of utmost importance to us, which means that it is simply not possible to continue to plan the conference.

We will be in touch with you very soon with details on refunds. We will do our best to process these in a timely fashion.

We know this is a difficult time for everyone, and our thoughts are with each of you, your friends and families, and all those you love.

Updated: 3.20.20

Many of our members are asking for additional clarification on what will happen with the 2020 ChLA Annual Conference scheduled for June 18-20. Your ChLA Executive Board and Conference Organizers have been monitoring this situation for the past several weeks. We are working with the specialists at Meeting Expectations, our Association Management Company, for guidance and communicating with our host hotel in Bellevue, Washington.

The COVID-19 pandemic has already affected us in so many ways. As the situation and information change on a day-to-day – and sometimes hour-to-hour – basis, we are navigating the challenging decisions about our 2020 Annual Conference.

On March 15, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control issued a recommendation for avoiding group events for 8 weeks, which will take us through mid-May. As there is not currently a federal regulation prohibiting events in the month of June, if ChLA were to make a decision today regarding our conference that is scheduled outside of this 8-week timeframe, we could be facing significant financial penalties for a cancellation or postponement based upon our contractual obligations. To limit financial hardship for our association, we continue to explore and discuss our options.

We recognize this lack of clarity on how we can proceed is difficult. Please know your ChLA leadership is continuing to do the best we can with the options that are available to us.

Please take care.

Updated: 3.18.2020

We know this is a difficult and uncertain time, one in which we’re having to work from home, abstain from community events, and practice social distancing, all while absorbing concerning news. We hope you are doing what you need to take care of yourself and your families and staying healthy.

The ChLA annual conference, scheduled for June 18-20, is still a few months away but at the same time, right around the corner. We wanted to reach out and let you know that we are actively monitoring the situation and complying with all guidelines issued from the CDC and WHO. We are working in partnership with our venue, Hyatt Regency, in tandem with Bellevue, Washington officials to guide our planning and maintain an effective response plan. If the situation warrants a change, rest assured, we will notify all attendees.

In the meantime, we are extending the early bird registration deadline to May 31, so don’t feel you need to worry about registration right now. Note: presenters have until May 1 to become a member of ChLA and register for the conference.

Please know that the health and well-being of our community is our highest priority.

Updated: 3.06.2020

The Children’s Literature Association is proceeding as planned for the 47^th Annual Children’s Literature Association Conference, June 18-20, 2020 in Bellevue, WA. Our decision is based on current public health guidance related to COVID-19 coronavirus.

As our community finalizes its plans to gather in June, the health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors and partners remains the highest priority for the Children’s Literature Association team.

• ChLA is closely following and implementing the official guidance from the CDC, state and local health authorities
• ChLA is working with all of our partners for the conference, including the Hyatt Regency Bellevue and the airport authority to guide our planning and maintain our preparedness protocols.

We understand there may be uncertainty at this time in your ability to attend the conference. As we continue to finalize the plans for our community to come together in June, the health and safety of our attendees, speakers, exhibitors, partners and staff remains our highest priority.

Take advantage of a greater peace of mind that you can plan for your attendance at the 47^th Annual Children’s Literature Association Conference while having added flexibility with a modified cancellation policy as the situation evolves. The date to receive a full refund (less an administrative fee) has been extended to May 31, 2020.

As we continue to monitor the situation, we will provide updates here for conference attendees and others. We look forward to a safe, productive and successful conference.