CANCELLED
DEAR FRIENDS,
It is with deep regret that The LAM Foundation has made the decision to cancel the 2020 International LAM Research Conference and LAMposium in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 30 - May 3, due to the evolving worldwide COVID-19 outbreak.
The decision was made by the LAMposium Steering Committees and members of the Board of Directors out of deep concern for the health and well-being of our community of patients, scientists and caregivers. This decision has not been easy, as our annual research conferences and LAMposiums represent the most important place to celebrate the LAM community and advance our scientific understanding of the disease. This year we were particularly eager to celebrate 25 years of meaningful connections and research progress, and we are all deeply saddened by the impact of this global crisis.
The decision process considered many options, including scaling back the scope of the conference or transitioning to a scientific meeting only. In the end, the elevated health risks for women with LAM, and the spirit of inclusivity that defines our mission, led to the only possible decision of canceling the meeting. The committee concluded that all members of the LAM community must be included in our signature events, and that partial attendance would not accomplish our goals.
The potential for a rescheduled meeting or other educational format will depend on many factors, including the projected duration of the outbreak, conflicts with other meetings, hotel availability and other logistical and financial factors. Next steps will be decided as more information becomes available.
We understand this is upsetting news, and we appreciate your understanding and partnership as we work through many questions. We recognize that the cancellation decision will inconvenience our patient and family registrants, our caregivers and scientists, and also, the Foundation. Immediately, it will lead to issues with airline tickets, expended costs and contractual obligations.
With sincere regrets,
Sue Sherman
CEO, The LAM Foundation
To help with this process, the Foundation will:
- Refund conference registration fees for paying attendees. Please watch your credit card statement for a refund.
- Provide an official letter of event cancellation as a resource for anyone who needs to cancel an airline ticket. Airline policies continue to evolve, and we are hopeful that this will prove helpful.
Conference attendees will need to cancel their individual hotel reservations. There will be no fees associated with cancellations as long as the hotel receives notification more than 24 hours prior to scheduled arrival.
The LAM Foundation will provide guidance throughout this process and appreciates your patience and understanding during this very difficult period. Please watch for upcoming communications with details from LAM Foundation staff as indicated below:
FAQ
Q: Why did you decide to cancel the 2020 International LAM Research Conference and LAMposium?
A: The event was cancelled out of deep concern for the health and well-being of our community of patients, scientists and caregivers due to rapidly escalating health concerns with the COVID-19 outbreak. This decision has not been easy, as our annual research conferences and LAMposiums represent the most important place to celebrate the LAM community and advance our scientific understanding of the disease.
Q: How will the registration fees be refunded?
A: The LAM Foundation will refund conference registration fees for paying attendees. There is no need to contact The LAM Foundation to initiate this refund. Please watch your credit card statement for a refund.
Q: How will the hotel rooms be cancelled and refunded?
A: Conference attendees will need to cancel their individual hotel reservations. There will be no fees associated with cancellations as long as the hotel receives notification more than 24 hours prior to scheduled arrival.
Q: What about other travel reimbursements?
A: Please note that we are unable to provide refunds for travel expenses and it will be up to each individual to contact their travel providers. We recommend speaking with a Customer Service Representative over the phone. We crafted an official letter of event cancellation as a resource for anyone who needs to cancel their airline ticket. Airline policies continue to evolve, and we are hopeful that this will prove helpful.
Q: I received a LAM Family Network (LFN) travel grant, what happens now?
A: The LAM Foundation’s Finance Department will be reaching out separately to the individuals who received a travel grant from LFN. We appreciate your patience waiting for this correspondence.
Q: I received a Francis G. Byrnes Travel Award, what happens now?
A: Please watch for further communications regarding your research from our Grants and Research Manager, Judy Sheridan.
Q: Will the International LAM Research Conference and LAMposium be rescheduled?
A: Currently, the conference is indefinitely postponed. The potential for a rescheduled meeting or other educational format will depend on many factors, including the projected duration of the outbreak, conflicts with other meetings, hotel availability and other logistical and financial factors. That said, we are eager to convene the entire LAM community to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The LAM Foundation and will look for every opportunity do so. Next steps will be decided as more information becomes available.
Q: Should I not attend public gatherings or travel?
A: The LAM Foundation endorses all guidelines provided by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.