After much discussion, the American Lighting Association (ALA) Board of Governors and the ALA staff have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2016 ALA Conference due to the elevated health risks associated with the Zika virus.
This decision was based on the health risks outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. The ALA sincerely regrets any inconvenience resulting from this decision, but members' health and safety is its number-one concern.
The ALA is working diligently to minimize the financial impact that this decision has on members, as well as the association. The ALA Conference was scheduled for Sept. 25-27 at the El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, suitable alternative properties were not available during those dates. Therefore, all 2016 Conference registrations will roll over and are guaranteed the lowest rate for the 2017 ALA Conference in Vancouver, Sept. 10-12.
"ALA is our industry family and our decision was entirely focused on ensuring the safety of our members," said Rick Seidman, 2016 ALA Conference committee chair. "We hope you understand, and we look forward to seeing all of you in Vancouver in 2017."
"Thank you to all of our members who called with pertinent information to assist the board of governors in making this important decision," added Eric Jacobson, ALA president and CEO. "The member support we have received is a testament to the strength of both the industry and our organization, and we look forward to working together to develop a great 2017 Conference in Vancouver."
More information will follow soon. In the meantime, please continue to check the ALA website for the latest updates.
