ATA postpones 2020 Convention due to COVID-19 pandemic

Due to the state of Florida recently extending its emergency order for the hospitality industry through May 9, the Hilton Sandestin will be unable to host the Alabama Trucking Association’s Convention.

“Postponing our biggest event of the year wasn’t a decision our leaders took lightly, and are they weighing several possible scenarios for a reschedule,” reads a statement released by the ATA staff on March 27. “However, with the uncertainty of the length and scope of the COVID-19 outbreak, we are unable to determine when, or even if, we can reschedule the event this year.”

ATA officials say they are considering multiple options for moving forward with the event either with a new date, a condensed version of the Convention, or even holding it in conjunction with another ATA event. “For now,” the statement reads, “all we can do is wait for this crisis to pass and reveal an appropriate proposal in due time.”

If you made hotel reservations either by phone, online or through the HiltonLink or the Honors apps, please cancel them through those channels.

ATA president Mark Colson says the staff is responding to its members’ needs during this crisis and promoting the courageous work of Alabama trucking businesses and their employees throughout this crisis.

“I thank our members and Convention sponsors for their continued support and patience,” he says. “For now we are focused on helping our industry stay focused and ready to lead the country through this crisis. We want our members to keep calm and keep trucking.”

For more information about ATA’s Convention, please contact Convention Coordinator Brandie Norcross at 334-834-3982 or bnorcross@alabamatrucking.org.