The Specialty Tools &  Fasteners Distributors Association cancelled its 2020 convention, CEO Georgia Foley announced.

“Due to the State of California’s shutdown on July 13,2020, reverting back to Phase 1 with no reopening date on the horizon, this unfortunate and unforeseeable circumstance is forcing STAFDA to cancel its November 8-10 convention in Anaheim.  The COVID-related conditions in California are beyond STAFDA’s control making it impossible for us to move forward with our meeting,” Foley said.

“STAFDA was taking every safety protocol to safeguard attendees’ health and well-being and we commend Visit Anaheim and the Anaheim Convention Center on being leaders in wellness and biorisk safety,” Foley noted.  “Both STAFDA and Anaheim officials took all the necessary steps to ensure our November convention would be a success.”

Foley said advance registrations “got off to an impressive start despite today’s uncertain environment.”

A virtual option is being developed and once the details are finalized, STAFDA members will be notified.  This would include workshop speakers, the keynoter from our general session along with the two State of the Industry speeches, and a virtual component to the trade show.

Members who booked rooms at the Anaheim Marriott and Hilton Anaheim are encouraged to cancel their hotel reservations.

STAFDA will refund registration fees.

Foley noted this is the first time in 44 years STAFDA has had to cancel its annual meeting.

“Let’s get through 2O2O and plan on seeing each other again ‘in person’ at STAFDA/Charlotte, November 7 -9, 2021,” Foley said.  Web: STAFDA.org