Innovations in Testing 2020 is Going Virtual

Plans are underway, dates are still undecided

The very difficult and unprecedented decision to change the on-site Innovations in Testing Conference, originally planned for a March 29th kick-off in San Diego, into a virtual event was made Monday, March 9th when it became evident that the health and safety of conference delegates would be compromised. The State of California reinforced that decision later in the week, on March 11th,  when the Governor called for the cancellation of all large meetings.

The decision to go virtual

In the true spirit of "Innovations in Testing",  Conference Planning Committee began working immediately on a contingency plan to transform Innovations in Testing 2020 into a digital event. ATP's meeting planners identified, and even field-tested, an exciting, interactive platform called Shindig that will be able to deliver the content and speakers attendees were looking forward to and, at the same time, deliver an unprecedented virtual experience.  This is not a typical webinar, but an interactive video chat platform that will allow everyone registered to “attend” the conference from the comfort of their office or home," reported ATP CEO William G. Harris. "Attendees will have the ability to ask questions of presenters and interact with other participants throughout this platform.  Both learning and networking will be available.  This unique platform will allow attendees to engage in ways that truly mimic the in-person experience."

In addition, for the first time, attendees will have access to all recorded sessions.  Attendees will be able to attend any session during the virtual conference and watch the recorded sessions at a later time…and even share with their team.  The decision to choose which great sessions to attend just got simpler.   ATP Chair John Weiner of PSI noted, "This is a remarkable opportunity to put into play the technology and e-learning that we have talked so much about."

ATP was originally hoping to deliver a digital conference in late March, on the same dates that the original onsite Innovations conference was going to be held.  But again – current events interrupted the best laid plans.  "With children home from school, and workers having to focus on interruptions within their businesses – we have again seen fit to delay this event until late spring or early to mid-summer," Issing reported.  "We hope to have more information out to you on this event very soon."

What is the refund/virtual event registration policy ?

Everyone registered for Innovations in Testing 2020 will be automatically enrolled in the new virtual conference and will also be provided with a refund of $200 which reflects the savings in refreshments that would be served at an in-person meeting.  Some member organizations have inquired about donating their full registration fee.  [*Please make note that you may donate your $200 refund to the Association of Test Publishers. If you are interested in donating, please email [email protected]. ]

Other individuals have inquired about how to register for the new Innovations in Testing 2020 Virtual event – ATP will have a new registration system up as soon as possible.

What about hotel reservations?

Delegates are being urged to please cancel hotel reservations immediately as ATP is not permitted to do this on their behalf.  Delegates can cancel by calling the hotel 619-234-1500, or by cancelling through their confirmation email from their hotel booking. ATP also suggests that delegates notify their airlines immediately.

Details will be coming soon about how and when to access the virtual conference.  In the meantime,  delegates are being urged to check out the quick video on Shindig  to get a quick glimpse at what they will experience! [If you have any questions, please email [email protected].]

[Download an informational .pdf here.]

 [*Contributions to section 501(c)(6) organizations are not deductible as charitable contributions on the donor’s federal income tax return. They may be deductible as trade or business expenses if ordi­nary and necessary in the conduct of the taxpayer’s business.]