Regulatory and Health Industry
AHIMA Cancels Advocacy Summit Due to COVID-19 Spread
Advocacy Summit was scheduled to take place in Washington, DC, March 23-24. AHIMA will host a Virtual Hill Day on March 24 via the Advocacy Action Center. More information on that event will be available on a March 19 webinar.
“The health and well-being of our members, speakers, staff, and guests is our first priority,” said Lauren Riplinger, JD, vice president, policy and government affairs at AHIMA. “We know that many members look forward to the summit. The AHIMA team is exploring how we can develop alternative ways for speakers and presenters to share their work in a way that will permit members to earn CEUs. We will email you with more details as we have them.”
The CDC has urged caution regarding non-essential travel and hosting large gatherings of people. Advocacy Summit is among the latest events cancelled due to COVID-19. Last week, HIMSS cancelled its global conference for the first time in 58 years. Other large events, such as SXSW, also cancelled in an effort to mitigate community transmission of the disease.
Next Steps for Registered Attendees
Regarding information on airline and hotel reservations: Many airlines are allowing passengers to change or reschedule flights; please review your carrier’s COVID-19 cancellation policies. According to Holiday Inn, reservations can be cancelled by contacting the hotel directly in writing, at least 72 hours prior to the time of your original arrival.According to Holiday Inn, reservations can be cancelled by contacting the hotel at least 72 hours prior to the time of your original arrival. Access your reservation online to cancel, call 877-834-3613 or e-mail Zack Wiblemo or Stephanie Hunter.
Registration fees will be refunded by AHIMA in the form originally paid by the attendee. AHIMA anticipates credit card refunds will be completed within five business days. Please allow additional time for check refunds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will attendees be refunded for airlines tickets?
You are responsible for cancelling your airline reservations. Many airlines are allowing passengers to change or reschedule flights. Please review your airline’s COVID-19 cancellation policies. AHIMA will not refund travel expenses.Will attendees be refunded for hotel costs?
AHIMA members are responsible for cancelling their hotel reservation directly. According to Holiday Inn, reservations can be cancelled by contacting the hotel at least 72 hours prior to the time of your original arrival.Will attendees’ registrations be refunded?
AHIMA members will have their registration fully refunded to the method used to pay. Members do not need to contact AHIMA. We will automatically cancel the registration and issue a refund. Those who purchased with a credit card should expect their refund within five business days. Check payment refunds will be processed in a longer timeframe.Will any sessions be made available virtually?
We know that many members look forward to the summit. The AHIMA team is exploring how we can develop alternative ways for speakers and presenters to share their work in a way that will permit members to earn CEUs. Attendees will be notified as soon as we have more details.How can attendees remain engaged with AHIMA’s advocacy efforts?
AHIMA will be hosting a Virtual Hill Day on March 24 where members can advocate on behalf of the HIM profession. Participants are encouraged to register for AHIMA’s Virtual Hill Day webinar on March 19 for an in-depth understanding of public policy issues and how to take action through AHIMA’s Advocacy Action Center.For additional questions, please contact advocacy@ahima.org