Dear AAO Members, conference attendees, and conference presenters,

The Archives Association of Ontario (AAO) has been closely monitoring developments with COVID-19. In response to growing concern and newly-imposed travel restrictions, the AAO has made the very difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Conference. This decision was not easily made and I would like to personally thank the dedication of our Local Arrangements and Programme Committee members who have dedicated their time and energy into preparing what would have been a very successful conference. 

The AAO cares deeply about the well-being and safety of our community and is committed to offering a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all of our members. All those who registered for the conference will be issued full refunds within the next 3-5 business days. Please be in touch with the AAO Office should you have any questions about the status of your refund. We also suggest all members who made travel arrangements to reach out to your airline, etc. to seek refunds where possible.

We are currently exploring options as to the delivery of the 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM). More information will follow in the coming weeks about the delivery of our pre-conference workshop, Fundraising and Grant Writing, with Raegan Swanson, Executive Director of the ArQuives. We will continue to issue communications on any further developments here, on the AAO email listserv, and through our social media channels.

I would again like to thank our wonderful volunteers for their work and all of you, as members, for your continued support of our association. We have faced a difficult year but are emerging stronger as a community.

Please write to us at aao@archivists-aao.ca if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely, 

AAO Conference Local Arrangements and Program Committees 2020

AAO Board of Directors