The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), the organiser of the Twelfth International Aluminum Technology Seminar & Exposition – ET ’20, has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and the information and direction issued by the World Health Organization (“WHO”), U.S. Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) and various states, including the State of Florida, in handling this crisis and addressing the potential health risks to our attendees and employees.
As we know, the WHO declared the novel coronavirus disease a global pandemic on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. In addition, President Trump acted this week to ban incoming European travellers, and the CDC (as well as other authorities) advise against large gatherings. In addition, we recently have been informed that a significant number of ET’20 attendees, speakers, and exhibitors are prevented from traveling to the Event due to travel bans imposed by their employers and countries.
As a result of the ongoing issues, the AEC Board of Directors and the ET Steering Committee have decided to postpone ET ’20. The search will begin at once to find a new date, ideally for later this year. AEC will keep stakeholders up to date on these developments as event space and dates will need to be secured very quickly.
For those that have already registered for ET’20, reserved exhibit space, or provided a sponsorship, please be aware that those investments will be applied to the rescheduled event. So, current exhibitors, sponsors, authors and attendees will not need to do anything at this point to reserve their position at ET’20.
“After hearing from the members over the last few days, and watching these unprecedented events unfold at alarming speeds, it simply made no sense to go forward with ET’20 in May of this year. The ET brand is one of the most cherished assets of the Council, and we aim to do everything possible to keep in good standing with the global aluminium extrusion market during these difficult times,” said the President of the AEC, Jeff Henderson. He added, “We ask for all sponsors, presenters, attendees, and exhibitors to be patient with us over the coming days as we reset the schedule and begin focusing on delivery of the best ET ever!”