NAEA Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Dear NAEA Members, 2020 Convention Registrants, Exhibitors, and Colleagues:

On behalf of the NAEA Board of Directors, I am writing to share that, by unanimous decision, the Board has voted to cancel the 2020 NAEA National Convention set to be held March 26-28 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Please know that the health and well-being of our members, attendees, exhibitors, and partners has been top of mind these past few weeks as has been the current and future well-being of the association overall. The coronavirus was, and is, an unanticipated, unprecedented, and an ever-changing challenge.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while the NAEA Board and staff dedicated time to thoughtfully analyze the potential impacts of any decision made. We recognize the heightened stress that we’ve all been experiencing during this time of uncertainty. As the spread and concern related to the coronavirus grew rapidly and unevenly across the country, we listened and supported many members who voiced both strong interest in moving ahead with the Convention and concerns urging cancellation. Given the current data available from national and international health organizations, and in view of the increasing number of travel restrictions put in place by employers, the Board feels confident in this decision to cancel.

Due to the fluid nature of the coronavirus and the impact of this decision on the association, we unfortunately will not be able to reschedule the 2020 NAEA National Convention and are looking forward to an even more robust NAEA National Convention next year in Chicago, Illinois, USA, March 4-6, 2021. We share our heartfelt gratitude to National Convention Program Coordinator Jeremy Holien, the Art Educators of Minnesota and the local planning team, sponsors, exhibitors, collaborators, and the 800+ session and workshop presenters. It is our sincere hope that presenters submit their session content to be uploaded and shared on the NAEA20 Mobile App.

NAEA will be offering full refunds for 2020 NAEA National Convention registration and any ticketed session purchases. You can also choose to redirect your existing payment to your 2021 NAEA National Convention registration or donate your registration fee as a tax-deductible gift to support the association. Please complete this online form by April 26 to request your registration refund. You can also refer to this FAQ page for additional information.

Additionally, all hotels booked with the NAEA discount via ConferenceDirect can be canceled within 72 hours of the reservation with a $30 service fee.

As this is an unanticipated development and we expect a high volume of communications, we thank you in advance for your patience as we process all requests over the coming weeks. For guidance beyond what is covered in the FAQs, please reach out directly to members@arteducators.org.

The Board, the staff, and I would like to express our deep admiration and respect to each of you for your cooperation, flexibility, and commitment to this association which honors and uplifts the value of visual arts and design education every day. Please stay safe and take good care.

Sincerely,

Mario R. Rossero
NAEA Executive Director