Due to Florida health advisories, the APCO International Executive Committee announced yesterday they’ve canceled APCO 2020 which was recently rescheduled for August.
Derek Poarch, Executive Director & CEO, APCO International, said since last week several developments occurred which culminated in a recommendation to the Board of Directors that the conference be canceled. Poarch said this past Thursday, the Mayor of Orange County, FL, issued an Executive Order requiring the mandatory wearing of face masks effective on Saturday, June 20.
On Saturday, Florida reported 4,049 new COVID-19 cases, setting a record high since the pandemic began. Lastly, on Saturday, the Florida Department of Health issued a new Advisory where it recommended that persons not attend events in the state where 50 or more people would be gathered.
“With these new developments occurring over the past weekend,” Poarch said, “we decided that the prudent thing to do, to the disappointment of many, is to cancel our event. For those of you who have already registered to attend APCO 2020, we will soon be issuing you a full refund of your registration fees. We will also announce plans to meet our annual governance requirements for those affected. Please check the APCO 2020 website for additional information regarding the cancellation.”
Poarch said he looks forward to seeing everyone in San Antonio, Texas, August 15-18, 2021, where planning is already underway.
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