On behalf of the 2020 Innovations in Testing Planning Committee, as well as the Association of Test Publishers' Board of Directors, we would like to thank you for your patience as we work through the unprecedented events that have impacted the Innovations 2020 Conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reinventing a conference of this size, and at this late date, with its myriad of contracts and tangled web of reservations and agreements, is a complicated affair.

Where we have been...

The very difficult decision to change the on-site conference to a virtual event was made Monday, March 9th when it became evident that the health and safety of our 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.

Where we are hoping to go...

In the true spirit of "Innovations in Testing," the Conference Planning Committee began working immediately on a contingency plan to transform Innovations in Testing 2020 into a digital event. We were excited to be able to preserve the many hours of program planning, and to deliver the high-level content that had been planned for this conference. We identified, and even field-tested, an exciting, interactive platform called Shindig that will be able to bring you the content and speakers you were looking forward to and, at the same time, give you 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.

You 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 you to engage in ways that truly mimic the in-person experience.

In addition, for the first time, you will have access to all recorded sessions. You may attend any session during the virtual conference and watch the recorded sessions at a later time...and even share with your team. The decision to choose which great sessions to attend just got simpler.

This is a remarkable opportunity
to put into play the technology and e-learning
that we have talked so much about.

Then, more events unfolded and more decisions were made...

We were originally hoping to deliver this digital conference in late March, on the same dates that the original onsite Innovations conference was going to be held. But again - current events have interrupted our best laid plans. With children home from school, and staff within all organizations having to primarily focus on working through challenges that this unprecedented situation has caused within their businesses - we have again seen fit to delay this event until late spring or summer. We will have more information out to you on this event soon.

How will registration work for this event, and will I receive a refund on my original fees?

Everyone registered for Innovations in Testing 2020 will be automatically enrolled in the new virtual conference. We are also able to provide a refund of $200 to all paid registered participants. These refunds will be sent out as soon as we are able to begin processing them. Again, we ask for your patience as we also struggle with work challenges and remote staffing issues.

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].

What about your hotel reservation?

Please cancel your hotel reservation immediately as we are not permitted to do this on your behalf by calling the hotel 619-234-1500, or by cancelling through your confirmation email from your hotel booking. We also suggest that you notify your airline immediately.

What if I am speaking at Innovations?

All speakers will be contacted in the coming weeks to reconfirm their participation in the virtual conference and next steps for their presentation.

What we also suggest for right now...

Stay well! Follow the COVID-19 guidelines! Details will be coming soon about final dates and how to access the virtual conference. In the meantime, check out the quick video on Shindig to get a quick glimpse at what you will experience!

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].  [Download a .pdf of this announcement here.]

We can't wait to see you virtually
in just a few months!

[*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.]