These unprecedented times call for an unconventional ACEP20.

After thoughtfully considering many different options and ideas, ACEP has made the decision to move ACEP20 to an online-only experience.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, there have been months of deliberative discussions among the Board of Directors, the Finance Committee, the Educational Meetings Subcommittee, and the staff. A poll of the membership in early May showed that 57% of the respondents had travel restrictions, and a majority of the commenters indicated a preference for an online experience for various reasons.

None of us can know how this virus will be affecting our communities in October. Even if we delayed a live ACEP20 by a month or two, we still cannot confidently predict the future.

We know you value the in-person meeting with your ACEP family. It’s important to us, too. But this is precisely why we had to make this decision – for the health and safety of your ACEP family. Your well-being, and that of patients you see and your families at home, is our foremost priority. As your Board, we also have a responsibility to our members to plan for the best possible outcome while limiting our legal and financial risks.

Join us online this year for a fully virtual event with education, engagement and excitement, culminating with a digital emergency medicine experience that will be so much more than a convention this October!

More details will be released soon as the ACEP annual meeting evolves in exciting new ways. And while the delivery may be different, you can expect the same expert education and CME credit from the world-class faculty you respect.

Rest assured, the Council will still meet on Oct. 24 & 25, although they will also take the prudent, virtual approach. Committees and Sections will still find ways to host their activities online. The Exhibit Hall and Research Forum will remain a part of this digital experience in inventive new ways. And there will be a few surprises along the way, too!

We are thrilled to embrace the innovation and are committed to keeping ACEP20 the best educational experience, bar none.

Sincerely.

William Jaquis, MD, FACEP
ACEP President