We have been closely monitoring the unfolding COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak and following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the World Health Organization regarding crowds and air travel, AIDSWatch 2020 will be held virtually.
The health and the well-being of our communities is our primary concern.
While this change is a departure for us, we believe a virtual AIDSWatch will allow us to learn and grow together while not putting any of us — especially all of us living with HIV — at risk or in harm’s way.
We know that there will be lots of questions about what that means. We hope this update will cover many of them, but there are some logistics that we are still working on.
This website, as well as the main AIDSWatch page, will be updated regularly as more information becomes available.
Virtual AIDSWatch 2020 Q&As
Is AIDSWatch 2020 canceled?
No! AIDSWatch will still be held March 30, 2020, but it will be held virtually. No sessions will take place in person in Washington, D.C., so participants should plan to participate from their location.
What will a virtual AIDSWatch look like
AIDSWatch 2020 will include presentations and discussions on policy issues, messaging strategy and advocacy training. All registrants will have access to view the video sessions live March 30, 2020. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate fully. Additionally, all registrants will still receive all the educational and briefing materials in electronic format before the beginning of the session. Portions of the sessions might be made available publicly at a later time, but only registrants will have access to the entire AIDSWatch.
When will the link for the virtual session be sent?
We will get it out with plenty of time for you to receive it before the start of the sessions. Look for announcement about it in the weeks ahead.
Will there still be meetings with members of Congress?
We are exploring alternative engagement with Congress, including dial-in meetings, Twitter chats and other online mechanisms that will occur during AIDSWatch 2020 March 30 and beyond throughout the year.
Will there be refunds?
No. There are still many costs associated with putting on a virtual event, but we have extended the early-advocate discount — the rate you paid — for the remainder of the registration period. You will still receive a “This Is What an HIV Advocate Looks Like” shirt. It will be mailed to you directly; please contact debbie.cooke@meetingmasters.biz if there is need to update your mailing address. All AIDSWatch 2020 registrants will also receive half off AIDSWatch 2021 registration.
What about hotel and flight reservations?
Please contact your hotel and airline directly. We recommend you contact them immediately.
What should workshop presenters do?
Someone on our staff will be reaching out to you directly in the very near future to make plans for your presentations.
On behalf of AIDS United, the Treatment Access Expansion Project and the U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus, thank you for your flexibility as we all struggle with this unfolding public health crisis. If there are questions that aren’t addressed here, please reach out to us at aidswatch@aidsunited.org.
[Updated as of 2 p.m. EDT March 3, 2020]