Things have changed quite a bit in communities, countries, and the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Every industry and business is re-evaluating its next steps, and AIM/R is no different.

The AIM/R Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed several options for the AIM/R 48^th Annual Conference (Sept. 16 – 19, 2020) in San Diego. In so doing, the board considered many factors, including participation levels, the economy, consumer confidence, travel restrictions, fiscal responsibility, possible new outbreaks of COVID-19, the availability of speakers and the tenor of both the educational and social programming.

After careful consideration of these and other factors, as well as possible alternatives, AIM/R’s leadership has determined that the Annual Conference will be rescheduled for Sept. 29 – Oct. 2, 2021, at the Grand Manchester Hyatt San Diego. The face-to-face Annual Conference in San Diego will be AIM/R’s 49^th. In addition, AIM/R will hold a virtual meeting in Fall 2020 that will have educational content and will address the business of the association as required by AIM/R’s bylaws. The date for the virtual meeting will be announced this summer. This event will be AIM/R’s 48^th Annual Conference (but hopefully the first and last virtual one).

Registration fees for badges for the original dates of Sept. 16 – 19, 2020, will be refunded by the AIM/R within the next 30–45 days. Guestroom reservations at the Grand Manchester Hyatt San Diego under the official AIM/R Block will be cancelled by the hotel. Deposits will be refunded. Those who made reservations outside of the AIM/R Block at the Hyatt or at another hotel in San Diego should contact the hotel to cancel reservations.

In the meantime, know the association is still open and working. In April, AIM/R held a series of webinars: "Managing Disruption – A Discussion for Rep Agencies in Navigating a COVID-19 Word;" "The First US Mandated Paid Leave with Nancye Combs, AER, SHRM;" and "The Upside and Downside to the Market with John Vrablic, T.I.P.S. 4 Reps." There are more e-learnings to come this May. In addition, a mini Virtual Conference is being considered for Spring 2021. More details will be available in the future. 

AIM/R greatly appreciates the continued patience and support of everyone during this difficult time. The association looks forward to better days ahead for all and seeing everyone in San Diego in 2021. For questions, contact AIM/R at info@aimr.net or at 630-942-6581.