Second Phi Alpha Delta statement on the status of national events in light of the COVID-19 epidemic

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Since our last statement on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, much has changed. The outbreak has become much worse, and federal, state and local government agencies are taking steps to contain the outbreak. These steps include significant restrictions on travel, among other things. This outbreak is an emergency.

It is clear that it will be impossible for P.A.D. to proceed to hold its Convention at the Rosen Plaza Hotel this August as planned. We recognize the significance of this step—the last national emergency to disrupt the P.A.D. Convention to this degree was World War II. But proceeding as planned would place our members and staff at too great a risk. In light of this, your International Executive Board has terminated its contract with the Rosen Plaza.

This does not mean that Convention has been canceled; only the contract with the Rosen Plaza has been canceled. Although Convention will not take place at the location and in the manner we had hoped, P.A.D. will have a Convention in some format. But we need your help with that.

A contingency planning team is already at work looking at alternatives. They need your input. There will be a survey sent out asking what you hope to see in an alternative Convention. Your ideas, your suggestions, your desires, have never been needed more by P.A.D. This is an unprecedented situation, and everyone’s contributions are needed right now.

We know that this announcement cannot be much of a surprise to you, given all the other cancelations of major events that have been announced in recent days. Nevertheless, we share in the sadness that we know all of you feel at this news. But we are also committed to finding new, creative ways to make our new Convention the most memorable one ever.

Please be safe. Please follow all the applicable CDC guidelines. Please help us with the survey. And let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

Until we meet in person again.

Fraternally,

Your International Executive Board