In response to the continuing spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, RILA has cancelled their 2020 Retail Asset Protection Conference scheduled for May 3–6 in Grapevine, Texas. Given the current state of emergency, “It is simply impossible for us to hold the conference as scheduled” they said. Retail executives, as well as exhibitors and sponsors currently registered for the conference will have the option to transfer their registration to 2021 or receive a full refund. Here is the full text of their announcement.
In this time of uncertainty, the RILA team thanks you for your patience and understanding as we have been evaluating plans for the upcoming Retail Asset Protection Conference. In response to the continuing spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, RILA will cancel the 2020 Retail Asset Protection Conference scheduled for May 3-6, 2020 in Grapevine, Texas.
This decision reflects our commitment to the safety and well-being of participating executives, current government-imposed states of emergency and emergency government regulations, and the sound guidance and strong admonitions against travel and large gatherings from federal, state, and local public health authorities. It is simply impossible for us the hold the conference as scheduled.
Also, while we explored several alternatives to the in-person meeting, each would have taken valuable attention away from RILA’s primary focus right now, which is providing retailers with the services and resources they need to respond effectively to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Exhibitor and sponsor partners like you are a key element of this conference, and your continued participation is crucial to the success of the event. The RILA team and the conference’s executive steering committee are committed to providing top-flight education and unparalleled networking opportunities to the retail asset protection community. We have already begun planning for the 2021 Retail Asset Protection Conference, April 25–28, 2021 in Washington, DC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, to ensure it provides the best conference experience possible. Likewise, we are offering incentives to retailer registrants to help ensure attendance will continue to be strong in 2021.
Your current contract and booth or sponsorship payment can be transferred in full for application to your presence at the 2021 conference, which will lock you in at 2020 rates and give your company the earliest selection of booth location for 2021. Names of your company’s individual registrants will not be carried over, and your updated attendee names will need to be submitted in 2021 once 2021 exhibitor and sponsor registration opens. In the coming days you will receive additional information on the sponsorship and exhibit space renewal process including details on our traditional Space Selection Webinar which will be scheduled for April 2 at 3PM Eastern.
Should you have questions about the details and effects of this cancellation, we’ve created an FAQ that you can access.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas. Again, we appreciate your support and understanding, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
All the best,
Tripp Taylor
Vice President, Business Development
Retail Industry Leaders Association
202-869-0092
