Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1276154
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION AUGUST 5, 2020 Page 18 Continued on page 19 Will There Be a Show in Reno this November? By Todd Ginter, PSAI's Director of Marketing It is time to answer the number one question I have been getting over the last month or so. That question? Is the PSAI still planning on having the Convention and Trade Show in Reno this November? The short answer to that question is, "Yes!" That said, it may not look the same as what you or we first imagined. This coronavirus pandemic has every industry and business scrambling. As you are aware, projections about the future are constantly changing, and we are working hard to stay on top of all new information that will affect PSAI members. Part of the PSAI's job as an event-producing organization is preparing for contingencies. The challenge during times of COVID-19 is how to bring people together if its not possible to gather in person. Because of this, one of my tasks the last few weeks has been looking at alternative options for how our events can still go on even if we are unable to meet face-to-face. The first thing you should know is this: even if we are able to hold the event on site in Reno, we understand that not everyone will feel safe enough to join us there. That does not mean those of you who are unable to travel will be left out of participating in everything we have planned. Important parts of the Reno event will be made available virtually alongside all on site events. This will likely include the trade show, speakers, trainings and sessions. Timing for a Final Decision In a couple of weeks, when the PSAI Board meets, a decision will be made about whether or not to meet in person in Reno. This means we are preparing right now for two possibilities: a hybrid event with on site and virtual features, and an all-virtual event in case we cannot gather in Reno at all. Meeting virtually is not optimal and is not what we all would prefer. Change is not easy for some and for others it is downright hard or unacceptable. However, this is something that we are all dealing with. Health and safety are our main concerns. The PSAI of course is not the only association thinking about going virtual. Every association and meeting/event planner knows it is the most fulfilling experience to have networking, learning opportunities, product buying and receive industry trainings in person. But the fact is, if necessary, these same things can be done remotely on our computers and very effectively too. Keep in mind everyone wants to connect with others in the industry (especially after the spring and summer we have gone through), even if that has to be done virtually. Celebrate the Change! Pivoting to a virtual-only event is not a one-to-one exchange. It is something different than the "way we have always done it." But I think this should be looked at as an opportunity rather than thinking that we are settling on something to get by.