It was a response not only to the coronavirus pandemic but also to a precipitous fall in the attendance rate. As members canceled because of company travel bans and meeting restrictions, the Association recognized that the networking value of the meeting would not be what participants deserve.

鈥淭he speed at which things developed鈥攖hroughout the United States and in this office鈥攚as stunning,鈥� said Executive Vice President Vernon Schmidt. 鈥淥n Tuesday night, canceling the meeting was only a possibility. On Friday morning, the decision was obvious. The dominoes just continued to fall.鈥�

If you have not yet communicated with someone from the Association about your Summit registration refund, call us at (314) 878-2304. If you have received a reminder from the hotel about your reservation, worry not. Your room reservation has been canceled.

The global outbreak that ultimately caused the cancellation of this meeting is expected to continue to disrupt supply chains and the workforce. The Association is committed to providing members information that helps them navigate these unprecedented circumstances.

If you are experiencing supply chain disruptions and seeking alternatives, access the Association鈥檚 online database to find supplier member companies who offer what you need. Go to the 鈥渞esources鈥� tab at , and search by product. You will need a user name and password to access this members-only benefit. Call (314) 878-2304 if you need user name or password information.

While we wait for calmer days, let鈥檚 look ahead. The Association will host its 2020 Marketing & Distribution Convention in Orlando from Oct. 27 to 29. In the meantime, we will explore options for bringing content to you that we had hoped to share with you next week.

This decision was not an easy one. It was a response not only to the coronavirus pandemic but also to a precipitous fall in the attendance rate. Many of you canceled your participation after your companies placed restrictions on meetings and travel. In that context, we felt the networking value of the meeting would not be what attendees expect or deserve.

You should receive an email from the Hyatt Regency today confirming cancellation of your room. The Board of Directors decided today to refund attendees鈥� registration fees. Expect to hear from us soon about the process for receiving those refunds.

The issue that ultimately caused the cancellation of this meeting is an issue that will make such a meeting even more valuable as you seek to adapt to changes in your supply chains. The Association is considering options for bringing Summit content to you in a different format or perhaps integrating it into an upcoming convention.

As the dust settles, we will be in touch with more information. In the meantime, mark your calendars. We are looking forward to a healthy gathering in Orlando this fall from Oct. 27 to 29.

If you claim your space by Feb. 21, you will save $60 on the reservation. You can see this layout of the showcase in the Summit鈥檚 program section at and find out who’s at each booth. You also can find information about booth dimensions and furnishings as well as instructions on how to ship materials to the hotel or order electricity.

The product showcase is the centerpiece of the Summit. It is an opportunity for manufacturers to connect with several suppliers in one place and explore the possibility of new partnerships.

John Tye of Lubbock Fastener describes it this way: 鈥淵ou walk by a table and look at something, and you say, 鈥楾hat鈥檚 the sort of thing we were looking for, but it needs to be like this. Can you make it like this?鈥� In most cases, the answer is 鈥業f you want to buy it, we can make it.鈥� 鈥�

Supplier members partner with the Association to create additional opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers to connect. In the next issue of Shortliner, we鈥檒l focus on the fun we鈥檒l have in Albuquerque. Stay tuned for details about golf, the trap shoot, an exploration of our host city鈥檚 night life, what鈥檚 in store for spouses and guests, and more.