We have been surveying the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and international health recommendations carefully as we follow the stories of those around the world who have been impacted by this virus. Our hearts are going out to all affected.
Due to increased concerns over large gatherings, mounting company policies suspending employee travel, and the recommendations of the CDC regarding COVID-19 in the US, we are canceling WordCamp DC originally planned for March 27-29 2020.
We have taken a data-driven and science-driven approach to understanding the problem and the risks. We feel that hosting a 3-day event of 500+ people at this time is not the best way to support the vulnerable populations, including but not limited to the older and immune-compromised individuals within the greater WordPress community.
We were so very excited to see all of you at the second ever WordCamp DC and we are disappointed to have to cancel this event. Over the next couple of weeks we will explore other ways to engage with our amazing, supportive community.
The decision to cancel the Camp was not made lightly. In the end, the health and safety of the community was paramount in our decision. We hope you understand that the organizing team believes this is the right decision to ensure the safety of all WordCamp attendees.
We know many of you have already booked travel and made plans with friends and colleagues. Below is information to help you navigate the situation:
WORDCAMP TICKETS
All paid WordCamp DC tickets will be refunded automatically. WordCamp Central will begin processing the refunds as soon as they can. No action or request for a refund is needed on your part.
HOTEL AND AIR
Please cancel your hotel and air bookings if they are fully refundable. If you have trouble refunding your flight and hotel without fees, we will be posting a letter from WordCamp Central later this week to help you explain the circumstances.
SPONSORS
We thank the sponsors for supporting us through this difficult period. We’ll be contacting the sponsors directly with details on how we’ll be handling the sponsorship funds.
OUR COMMUNITY
We want to thank our speakers, volunteers, sponsors, and fellow organizers for all the hard work, long hours, and unwavering support over the past months. Our community would not be the supportive and engaging place it is without you! While we will not see the fruits of our labor this time, we have created a fertile ground for the next WordCamp DC.
We don’t have any specific dates/plans for the next WordCamp DC at the moment but we are hoping to hold it in early 2021. We will make announcements as soon as possible.
We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding during this unpredictable time.
Sincerely,
Your WCDC Organizing Team
Courtney, Beth, Leland, Tara, Kev, Zak, & Anthony