On March 11, American Supply Association (ASA) CEO Mike Adelizzi released a statement on the association's upcoming events, assuring attendees that ASA is taking the proper steps to create a safe environment at the upcoming SWPD Leadership Conference, Women in Industry Spring Conference and Emerging Leadership Spring Conference. Adelizzi's statement can be read below:

"While concerns regarding the coronavirus are at the top of everyone's mind right now, I want to take a moment to provide you with the steps that ASA is taking to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our members, employees and guests who plan to join us over the coming weeks at our SWPD Leadership Conference, Women in Industry Spring Conference and our Emerging Leadership Spring Conference. At this time, no federal restrictions are in place to prevent meetings and travel in the United States. So, we are continuing preparations for our upcoming events.

"We have reached out to our host hotels and have asked that their housekeeping and food service staff take enhanced precautions to maintain a sanitary environment by increasing their frequency of disinfecting high touch point areas (like elevator buttons and doorknobs) and increasing the number of hand sanitizing stations in high traffic areas and meeting spaces. ASA will also have hand sanitizers available at all meetings as well. In addition, we have asked our host hotels to have their staff serve all meals (with gloved hands) instead of the self-serve buffet lines.

"Many of you have probably received communications from your companies, local government and/or children's schools about how to prepare for and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The World Health Organization has said the coronavirus is an "infodemic"— there is an over-abundance of information and not all of it is accurate — we suggest that you refer directly to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for guidance on how to prevent and spread this virus. For direct access to their website, go to www.cdc.gov. 

"The health and welfare of our member's employees are our top concern. Certainly, if you are at risk and choose not to attend, we will make every accommodation to facilitate that decision. However, at this point, and unless we see significant changes here in the U.S., we are committed to making our events valuable and safe. We will continue to update members with information and analysis through direct communications like this one as well as through ASA's Weekly Insights e-newsletter.

"As always, feel free to reach out to me or anyone at ASA if you have questions. In the meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the best source for comprehensive, correct, information."