MARCH 16, 2020 — Responding to developments stemming from the COVID-19 crisis, the ECPA board of directors decided on Friday to cancel Leadership Summit, scheduled for May 5-6 at the Nashville Airport Marriott.
“Each member of the ECPA board recognizes the strategic value of the ECPA Leadership Summit, a place where all of our organization’s core deliverables—networking, advocacy, and information—are present,” said Jeff Crosby, InterVarsity Press publisher and ECPA board chair. “Amid the rapidly-evolving health and travel situations we are all navigating, the board believed it was prudent to pivot now so we can explore all options and re-build an exceptional event in the months to come. We as a board will be working intentionally with Stan Jantz and the ECPA staff to support them as these changes are undertaken. I know I speak for the board when I say that we all look forward to gathering again in the near future.”
In the coming days ECPA will be refunding registration fees in full to those who had already signed up for Leadership Summit. Those who have made reservations at the Nashville Airport Marriott should cancel on their own. There will be no penalty if that is done more than 48 hours before the reserved dates.
“Preparing for Leadership Summit has involved the time, talent, and creativity of many people, including ECPA staff, publishing members, affiliates, and sponsors,” said ECPA president Stan Jantz. “I am so grateful for their commitment to make a conference like this possible, and I am disappointed that we will not be presenting Leadership Summit as planned. At the same time, I am confident we can develop an alternative plan that will bring our industry together when the time is right.”
The ECPA board was scheduled to meet in person in Nashville on May 4. That meeting will now be conducted by teleconference. Similarly, all five ECPA Standing Committees—Bestsellers, Events, Membership, Recognition, and Research—will also meet virtually on May 4. As for the annual ECPA membership meeting, when the election of board candidates and officers takes place, the proceedings will be conducted by electronic vote, as per the ECPA bylaws.
“Every company associated with ECPA is dealing with their own plans for the safety and well being of their employees, even as they work through the implications of this unprecedented situation on their businesses” Jantz said. “Let’s pray for one another, that God would give us wisdom for how we can best take care of those who work in our industry, even as we serve a world filled with fear and uncertainty. The books, Bibles, and resources our members publish offer hope, especially during these difficult days.”
