FragFest (WAMAS Summer Meeting 2020) - canceled

[Origami]

It should come as no surprise that, due to the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the officers recently decided to cancel the Summer meeting, typically called FragFest.

 

In coming to this decision, we refered to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, from state governments, and checked the availability and policies of the local school systems, whose spaces we often use for meetings. 

 

Also at the meeting, we considered alternatives to FragFest, including a drive-by option (which still exposes the volunteers and for which no legitimately accessible space was readily identified) and other meeting options. We've considered announcing this as a delay, too. However, given the trend in the numbers, we don't see the risk situation resolving completely by Fall.

 

WAMAS is currently exploring other options, including a virtual meeting with a guest presenter, or a panel of local aquarists to participate in an online Q&A or panel discussion. No conclusion has been reached on either of these options at this point.

 

This is the second consecutive meeting that we've had to cancel due to the COVID pandemic. We regret that we've not been able to host a meeting since winter, but the health and safety of our members and our members' families made this decision the only one that could be made.

 

[lynn.reef.nerd]

With things opening up again, are we able to have FragFest this year? I miss in person WAMAS meetings 

[Hilary]

Great question, Lynn!  Given current restrictions on indoor events, the uncertainty around when these restrictions will loosen further, and the number of people who usually attend FragFest, we are leaning towards planning a slightly-delayed event in the Fall.  As you can imagine it takes months of planning, so we'd like to be a bit more sure that we'll actually be allowed to hold the meeting in person.  So keep an eye on this space!