by Lindsey du Toit, APS President
I am pleased to announce Plant Health 2020 Online, a fully virtual event that will allow APS members and supporters from all over the world to access content related to this year’s theme of, “Scientific Credibility: Changing the Climate.” While we share your disappointment that we cannot meet in person in Denver as originally planned, going fully online gives us the exciting opportunity to connect with plant pathologists from all over the world who wouldn’t otherwise be able to join us in person!
Our new, online format will still allow attendees access to the high-quality speakers, poster presentations, sponsors, and exhibitors that you’ve all come to expect from our Plant Health annual meetings. We are also implementing virtual solutions for networking events, idea cafés, and one-on-one appointments so you can still connect and hold valuable discussions with your colleagues worldwide.
We realize that many of you have been awaiting registration information eagerly, given the delay in our opening date compared to previous years. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as our planning team has worked to evolve this event in ways that consider the rapidly changing and varying government, travel, and health guidelines. Rest assured that we are working as fast as we can to open registration and provide you with clarity regarding our online programming schedule and new ways you can participate.
I continue to refer back to the eloquent statement of Gwyn Beattie, Chair of the APS Public Policy Board and a Professor at Iowa State University, which I quoted in my original message about Plant Health 2020, “The credibility of our science is one of the most valuable and fragile pillars holding up the U.S. science enterprise.” Although the format of our meeting has changed, the purpose of Plant Health 2020 Online remains the same and is perhaps more vital than ever.
I look forward to seeing you online in August to share our expertise and contribute to changing the regional, national, and international climate towards greater scientific credibility!
