CEO DATELINE - Radiological society cancels November conference
CEO DATELINE - Radiological society cancels November conference
- May 28, 2020 |
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Walt Williams
The Radiological Society of North America has canceled its annual meeting in Chicago because of health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the group announced Tuesday.
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RSNA's annual conference was scheduled to held from Nov. 29 to Dec. 4 at Chicago's McCormick Place and was expected to bring in more than 50,000 people from 137 countries, according to statement by RSNA President James Borgstede. However, because of the pandemic, "we concluded it would be impossible to safely conduct RSNA 2020 in person" and will instead transform the conference into a virtual event to be held at the same time.
"While we are disappointed we cannot safely meet in Chicago this year, we continue to stand proudly in partnership with the many physicians, health care professionals, researchers, and companies doing their part to stop the pandemic and preserve public health, and we look forward to providing a successful virtual meeting," Borgstede said.
RNSA is headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook, Ill. The society has held the annual meeting for more than a century, only cancelling twice in the past because transportation issues during World War II. Numerous associations have canceled upcoming events as a result of COVID-19, but none as far out as RNSA.
CEO Mark Watson told the Chicago Tribune a factor in the decision was that the society's members are medical professionals working in environments where COVID-19 is being treated.
"The COVID situation is not stabilizing around the world," Watson told the Tribune.
Another dilemma facing associations with events in Chicago, although not mentioned by RNSA: The state of Illinois currently will not allow conventions and large gatherings until the fifth and final phase of a reopening plan. Phase 5 might not be reached until a vaccine is developed.
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