ATA cancels 2020 Convention, announces plans for special fall event

Alabama Trucking Association officials made it official last week that it is unable to reschedule its 2020 Annual Convention due to COVID-19 emergency orders from the federal government and the state of Florida and the ongoing health crisis and its economic and logistical impacts.

ATA officials had hoped to reschedule the event this summer or fall and had even worked out a tentative arrangement with the Hilton Sandestin for dates in July or November.

“However, considering the uncertainty with government emergency orders, health risks, coupled with market uncertainty following a lengthy shutdown of the Nation’s economy, we believe it’s best to not reschedule the convention in 2020 and move forward with an alternative celebration of the amazing job the trucking industry has done in keeping our Nation going during these difficult times,” said ATA Chairman Tom McLeod in a recent email to members.

“We are currently working on a celebration dinner to coincide with the 2020 ATA Golf Classic set for September 22 at the Robert Trent Jones Capitol Hill Course in Prattville, Ala.” he added. “While we have not finalized details for this, tentatively, the celebration dinner will be held at the Prattville Marriott on September 21, the evening before the Golf Classic. I promise you that it will be an outstanding celebration — one that you will not want to miss.”

ATA Director of Membership and Events Brandie Norcross said that for those who have already registered and/or sponsored the 2020 Convention, she will be reaching out to them in the coming days regarding the contingency plans. Several options for the funds are available to members, including full refunds or transferring funds to other ATA events or programs.

McLeod added, that amid this crisis, “ATA has championed the industry’s heroic efforts by securing regulatory and legislative relief; providing personal protective equipment for trucking employees and drivers; and elevating our industry’s image through targeted media campaigns to remind the public that the industry is still working hard to provide the items we all need to provide and care for our families.”

If you have questions about the 2020 Convention and/or the proposed September dinner event, please contact Brandie Norcross at 334=834-3983.