13 March 2020 
Cheryl Pick, Projects and Engagement Manager
Friday 13th March 2020
We are writing with an update on the 2020 AUDE Conference due to take place at the University of Birmingham on 29 March – 1 April, in the light of the ongoing Coronavirus health emergency.
The AUDE Executive has been monitoring the Coronavirus situation since the initial outbreak. Clearly the incidence of infection has increased dramatically in recent days and whilst AUDE’s annual Conference is an invaluable source of learning and knowledge sharing for our members, the health and well-being of all attendees is the main priority to AUDE. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, the AUDE Executive has taken the decision to POSTPONE and no longer run the Conference from 29 March to 1 April 2020.
We are seeking to re-arrange the Conference for later in the year, on dates that we hope will still work for all stakeholders. At this stage we cannot confirm new dates but we want to make you aware of this decision now so that you can suspend your own arrangements and preparations for this event. This decision has not been taken lightly and although there has been no known incidence of Covid-19 at any of the venues staging any aspect of the event, the AUDE Executive recognise that concern will rise with escalation. We are increasingly aware of all stakeholders involved in our conference developing internal policies limiting UK and international travel, attendance at meetings and gatherings and only anticipate this to increase.
Our intention is that the whole event can be lifted and moved to new (tbc) dates, keeping all delegates, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and suppliers in place. But we appreciate that this may not be possible for all. Thank you for your understanding at this challenging time. Can I ask that all involved whether delegates, sponsors, speakers or exhibitors remain patient until next Friday 20 March when we anticipate being able to be in contact once more with firm alternative proposals, including information to help you choose between booking for the alternative date, or cancellation and refund options.
If you have any further queries at this stage, please contact our event partner, Assured Events on 0161 428 1115 or via aude@assuredevents.com.
With kind regards
Jane White
AUDE Executive Officer
