The Valve Manufacturers Association of America (VMA) has postponed its 2020 Valve Forum, originally scheduled for April 29-May 1. On March 18, VMA President Heather Rhoderick, CAE, CMP, sent the following letter to attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors to announce the association's decision and future plans: 

"VMA has been carefully monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affects our events, specifically the Valve Forum, scheduled for April 29 - May 1, 2020. The health and safety of event participants is our utmost priority, as well as the ability of the event to meet your expectations in terms of content and networking, and in terms of the service and experience provided by the venue and city. In consultation with CDC guidelines, local officials, and the VMA Board of Directors and Valve Forum Planning Committee, we have decided to reschedule the Valve Forum.

"The Valve Forum will now take place this fall. We are currently working to determine the best dates, and will announce the new Valve Forum event dates as soon as possible.

"In the meantime, please cancel your travel plans. If you made hotel reservations at the Embassy Suites Phoenix/Scottsdale they can be reached directly at 602-765-5800 to cancel, or cancel by following the instructions on your sleeping room confirmation email.

"VMA will provide full refunds to anyone who will not be able to join us in the fall. If a refund is not requested, your registration will be transferred to the rescheduled event. To request a refund at this time, please contact us at info@vma.org.

"We thank you for your patience while we adapt to the circumstances of this unprecedented time. VMA will continue to support the North American valve industry with networking, learning, and business development opportunities. We hope to see you at the rescheduled Valve Forum, at other events this year, or as a participant in one of our upcoming webinars. Stay healthy, and we’ll update you soon!"