After much deliberation and consultation with members, peer organizations and Palm Springs Convention Center executives, the SFMA Board of Directors determined at its fall board meeting, Sept. 24-25, that its annual conference and exhibition is unable to be held in person.
Although disappointing, the good news is that the conference education, major conference events and the exhibition will be produced virtually, Jan. 12-14, 2021, for all members and for the industry to attend.
Just like the in-person event, the educational program will have top educators and practitioners sharing the latest research and best practices. What is different is that the length of the educational program has been adjusted to balance your time in front of a computer. You’ll definitely have choices of which sessions you want to attend, and you will be able to ask questions of the presenters – just like an in-person event. Although the education is compressed during the three-day event, there will be a weekly conference education program starting on Jan. 19, which offers two new education sessions each week through Feb. 16.
During the virtual conference, there will be networking rooms and an expo hall along with the quality events that you have come to expect from SFMA. There will be awards, a pithy general session on the state of the industry, a keynote address by leadership guru Pete Smith, and a not-to-miss Welcome Reception.
As your Board re-developed this event, the pricing structure has also changed dramatically — it is FREE to all 2021 SFMA members. Registration opens Oct. 15. Register early — there are some exciting gifts for early birds!
