This discourse post contains the information contained in this FAQ google doc for brigade members about the Code for America Summit cancellation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1myH8FwOxhTVwgb0CiCgL4Mf3YobyMuYesj1AJYfYOY4/preview. The google doc will be updated regularly, so check back there for the latest information. The information in this post is accurate as of 9:36pm PT on Friday, March 6.
2020 Summit Cancellation FAQ
We regret to inform you that the Code for America 2020 Summit that was planned for next week in Washington, D.C. will be canceled due to evolving concerns around coronavirus (COVID-19). Please see below for questions regarding the Washington DC convening.
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Where can I find the official announcement?
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Here (on the website), here (on the blog), here (on twitter) and here (on slack). You can find the official FAQ here. Registered attendees should also have received an email with detailed information (see below for the copy of that email, which reflects the announcement and FAQ copy).
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If there’s an official FAQ, why are you sending me this one?
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As a brigade volunteer, you may have needs and questions that don’t apply to the rest of the Summit audience. The Network team is working to provide as much information as possible that may be relevant for you as a committed volunteer. We will be updating this document as additional needs and questions arise.
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If I was receiving travel support, what do I do now?
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If you received travel support, you should go here for instructions.
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When will Code for America follow up regarding the Summit ticket refund policy?
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We are in the process of exploring options and assessing the best way to administer refunds for a variety of ticket types, including the special brigade ticket. We will follow up with all registered Summit attendees on Tuesday, March 10 with the next best steps.
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Will there be a virtual main-stage option?
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We have a slate of great content that a lot of people put a lot of work into curating. We’re working on the best way to share that with our community. Please bear with us as we determine the possibility of virtual opportunities in the planned Summit timeframe (March 12-13) or at a later time. We will follow up with all registered Summit attendees on Tuesday, March 10 with more information about virtual opportunities.
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The Network team is also exploring ways to support virtual convenings for brigade members, and will be looking for volunteers who are interested in helping us figure that out. You can expect this document to be updated on Saturday, March 7 with next steps on that front.
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Will Code for America cancel the hotel block?
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Yes. Additionally, We encourage all attendees with personal reservations at the [Crystal Gateway Marriott] to cancel their hotel reservation as soon as possible to avoid the less than 72 hour cancellation fee.
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Where should questions be directed?
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All general questions or concerns should be sent to summit@codeforamerica.org. If you have a Brigade Network specific question, please email brigade-info@codeforamerica.org.
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Should I cancel my own Brigade event?
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You should do what’s best given the situation in your city. You can go here for guidance.
Cancellation Announcement Email:
Hello,
We regret to inform you that the Code for America 2020 Summit that was planned for next week in Washington, D.C. will be canceled due to evolving concerns around coronavirus (COVID-19).
The safety of our attendees and their families is of the utmost importance. We have monitored the situation closely over the past weeks and have decided to cancel the 2020 Summit out of an abundance of caution.
Transparency is incredibly important to our team. Here are the immediate next steps for registered Summit attendees:
- Cancel your hotel and other travel: We encourage all attendees with reservations at the to cancel their hotel reservation as soon as possible to avoid the less than 72 hour cancellation fee.
- Refunds: We are in the process of exploring other options and assessing the best way to administer refunds. We will follow up with all registered Summit attendees on Tuesday, March 10 with the next best steps.
- Stay tuned: We have a slate of great content, and we’re working on the best way to share that with our community. Please bear with us as we determine the possibility of virtual opportunities in the planned Summit timeframe (March 12-13) or at a later time.
Our team feels a deep sense of responsibility for the decision and understands that this is a disappointment to all of our community and Summit attendees. We deeply appreciate all of the time, effort, and energy that has gone into this and we are eager to ensure that this effort does not go to waste.
Thank you for your patience, resolve, and character through this difficult decision. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns at summit@codeforamerica.org.
Sincerely,
The Code for America Team