We are approaching the upcoming year optimistically, while still assessing the outlook for large-scale live events and travel. Some key areas of uncertainty remain, such as CDC recommendations and local/facility restrictions and requirements for large events, so we are preparing for all outcomes as we move forward with plans for the 2021 ASHA Convention.
Based on the information we have today, and the potential for progress in the upcoming months, we are planning for a modified in-person event with a virtual component. This means that, in addition to a scaled-back (but traditional) in-person event with reduced attendance, some presentations will be made available to registrants for online viewing through a virtual library with the ability to earn continuing education credit. If conditions improve and restrictions are eased, we have the flexibility to expand; if they don’t, we will still be able to move forward with a modified hybrid event. We will also be prepared to convert to a fully virtual event if needed.
We recognize that the 2021 ASHA Convention may be the first opportunity for many of you to meet in person and you're looking forward to the occasion. Please bear with us as we navigate the evolving landscape for large events this upcoming year. The format of the 2021 Convention may change, but it will not be cancelled. We are committed to sharing updates (as they are available) about the event status, as well as providing decision dates should we need to convert to a fully virtual event and sharing the rationale behind our decisions.
Each year, our Convention Co-Chairs, in partnership with the ASHA President, develop a theme for the ASHA Convention. The theme provides a framework for the focus of the education program, our Opening General Session keynote speaker, and the entire look and feel of the event. Our 2021 theme, "Rising UNITED," is a celebration of the resilience and resourcefulness of communication sciences and disorders professionals in the face of adversity. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists, students and researchers encountered unprecedented challenges in 2020, but ultimately, through their ingenuity, found innovative solutions to service delivery, teaching and supervision, and made important advances in research. We have grown in strength and knowledge over the past year, supported by our colleagues and the professional community. The 2021 ASHA Convention will be our opportunity to celebrate our resilience—together.
We encourage you to tag your social media posts related to the ASHA Convention with the hashtags #ASHA2021 and #ASHAUNITED.
The 2021 ASHA Convention Call for Papers closed on April 6. Notifications of acceptance/non-acceptance will be e-mailed to all authors listed on proposals no later than July 20, 2021. Please e-mail papers@asha.org if you have any questions.
Our Exhibits team and Sales team are working through options for exhibiting, advertising, and sponsorship to provide relevant and effective opportunities to our commercial partners with our hybrid format. We expect to open sales in late Spring.
With the anticipation of being able to hold in-person activities, registration and housing will open on Monday, August 2, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, since our traditional date for opening, August 1, falls on a Sunday this year.