The 2020 Vision Conference in Orlando and the Coronavirus
3rd Update
Posted: March 24, 2020
From: WDS2020 Conference Planning Team
The WDS2O2O Planning team continues to evaluate the COVID-19 situation worldwide and locally. Although we have no definitive update regarding the status of the conference, we are issuing this statement as we consider several possibilities going forward. Of the many options, here are three:
OPTION #1
WDS2O2O continues as scheduled July 2-5, 2020 in Orlando
We are now 100 days from our event, and we are monitoring certain conditions that would lead us to a level of comfort in keeping the VISION Conference as scheduled, which include but not limited to:
- First and foremost, a significant reduction of the spread of COVID-19 such that CDC, WHO, and government agencies are confident that near containment has been shown, or vaccines are readily available and proven effective, and a likely resurgence risk has passed.
- A lifting of current travel bans and limits on mass gathering sizes.
- A resumption of normal mass gatherings. For example: Disneyworld, Universal Studios, professional sports, cruises, and other scheduled conventions in Orlando.
- A resumption of domestic and international travel such that attendees are able to travel to Orlando safely under reasonable conditions.
- The confidence and support of our registrants.
OPTION #2
WDS2O2O is cancelled
Although heartbreaking, we remain surrendered that God is ultimately in control and if this unforeseen COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow in size and scope, the decision to cancel our event may, in fact, become inevitable. We understand that our event – though significant and dear to us – pales in comparison to the global scale of this health crisis and the lives that are being forever changed by it.
OPTION #3
WDS2O2O is postponed
We are also checking on dates – most likely ONE YEAR (plus or minus) from our scheduled date – such that we can meet together in a much different time and mindset. If the Orange County Convention Center and surrounding hotels are available on a summer weekend in 2021, we are open to this idea. All current paid registrants who wish to attend next year will certainly be honored. We know that this may not work for everyone, but it may work for a majority of those who were planning to come to Orlando in 2020. Our hope is that airlines, travel companies, cruises, theme parks, etc. will also honor such changes based on these worldwide events and dramatic circumstances. For this to happen, it would mean that the conditions forcing cancellation (Option 2) are still in place and that there is an agreement with our ICOC global leadership in support of a rescheduling of the VISION Conference in Orlando.
Evaluation Period
We understand that there is a growing need from our registered attendees for a decision regarding the options listed above. We would ask for your continued patience as this worldwide situation is changing too rapidly for us to make the call at this point. We are hopeful that the coming weeks may give us enough time to land on a final decision. We will communicate our decision as soon as possible. The length of this evaluation period will depend on the factors listed in Option 1 above, as well as the advice of our WDS management team and legal counsel regarding the implications of Options 2 and 3. We know the sooner the better, so those affected can restructure their travel arrangements if necessary.
Orlando Church, The Host of WDS2020
We in Orlando have been grateful for the opportunity to serve the ICOC fellowship over the past four years preparing for the World Discipleship Summit. The Orlando church ministry staff, admin staff, and volunteers have spent countless hours planning, organizing, and connecting with disciples all over the world to promote this opportunity to come together. The response from our worldwide fellowship has been overwhelmingly positive! It is also important to note that the Orlando church has incurred significant expenses to date. We have outsourced and paid clients who have provided management, registration services, housing services, legal services, website design, marketing, and other work performed over the past few years. We cannot understate the importance of the work performed by ConferenceDirect, our event management partner. Even prior to the registration opening in February of 2019, the Orlando church incurred more than three years of expenses without a revenue source. So a percentage of the entire conference budget has already been utilized to execute an event of this size, as those of you in this industry can relate. We have an Event Cancellation insurance policy, but there are complicated legal issues that trigger a justified force majeure clause. While a worldwide pandemic and government travel bans may seem like an obvious case of force majeure, we would still be in for a legal battle to be able to walk away from all of our executed contracts, hotel agreements, facility agreements, and other financial obligations.
ICOC Cooperation
The Orlando church continues to work cooperatively with the ICOC Events Committee, the ICOC Global Catalyst Team, our ICOC Regional Family of churches, HOPEww, the ICOC Global Communications team, and Disciples Today. We are greatly encouraged by this current season of cooperation of our fellowship worldwide, and the Orlando church feels the ongoing support of our collective brotherhood in these difficult times. Only weeks ago the ICOC Regional Family Chairperson’s group met in Jakarta Indonesia and the spirit of cooperation and excitement for the worldwide summit was never more apparent. So we know that we are not alone here in Orlando as the host church and logistical planners of WDS2O2O.
Prayer
Please join our fellowship in a Worldwide Day of Prayer and Fasting this Thursday, March 26th. For more information, check out the YouTube video below:
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