To my PRSA Colleagues,
It is with much disappointment that I write to you today to share the news that ICON 2021 will move to an all-virtual format this fall. With the rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, and ongoing challenges because of the spread of the Delta variant, it has become increasingly clear that we put the health and safety of our attendees at risk if we proceed with an in-person conference in Orlando in October.
Just a few months ago, we were excited to think we would be able to see each other again, and benefit from the opportunity to connect with friends and network with colleagues from around the globe. The PRSA staff and so many of our volunteers have been hard at work to create an event that would be a safe and positive experience for our attendees. As difficult as this decision is, I know it’s the right one to help protect you, your families and our communities.
We are transitioning the momentum and volunteer excitement to the virtual program that was already in place for those attendees who couldn’t make it to Orlando, and we are now adding further resources to this event. Beginning on October 4 there will be an amazing lineup of speakers, a robust networking platform and myriad chances to learn from industry experts and communicators across many different fields. We welcome your participation and guarantee this will be a conference you don’t want to miss.
As a result of this shift to virtual conference only, we will also be moving the 2021 Leadership Rally and Leadership Assembly to online events. These two meetings will continue to take place on Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16, respectively.
We know you have many questions, especially if you had planned to be with us in Florida, and we will be able to answer all of them shortly. In the meantime, if you made a hotel sleeping room reservation with the Orlando World Center Marriott, the Marriott will automatically cancel your room reservation. You do not need to contact them to cancel.
You will be hearing from staff in the coming days as it relates to your involvement in each of these three events. We will also be posting information as it becomes available on the ICON 2021 website.
On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors, thank you for your understanding and we look forward to the time when we can all meet in person.
Please do all you can to stay healthy and safe.
Michelle Olson, APR
2021 PRSA Chair