With an abundance of caution, and the safety and health of its members always a priority, the American Supply Association (ASA) is shifting its NETWORK2020 event to a virtual format.

 

Virtual NETWORK2020 will be held Oct. 7-8, which aligns with the first two days of the originally scheduled in-person NETWORK event that was to take place at the Fairmont Millennium Park in Chicago.

 

"While we most certainly would prefer to hold the industry's biggest and most-anticipated event in person, we can never lose sight of the fact that the health and safety of our members is of utmost importance," ASA CEO Michael Adelizzi said. "With concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic still highly prevalent and the uncertainty surrounding the progress of the city of Chicago's reopening plan, the best course of action is to shift to a virtual format this year. ASA plans on presenting a virtual event like no other."

 

More details on Virtual NETWORK2020 will be released in the coming weeks, including full registration details. The event will, as always, feature a robust educational component, as well as the presentation of three awards (IPD Award of Excellence, Women in Industry's Woman of the Year and the annual ASA Safety Award winners). Former Milwaukee Valve owner Johnny Seder previously was revealed as the recipient of the 2020 ASA IPD Award of Excellence.

 

NETWORK2020 also will feature another annual staple — the popular distributor-manufacturer conference booth appointments, which will be conducted virtually this year. 

 

NETWORK returns to Chicago in 2022 and 2024 at the Fairmont Millennium Park. NETWORK2021 heads to the JW Marriott in Las Vegas Nov. 9-12 — with the official ASA announcement that beginning in 2021, NETWORK will be held in early November each year.

 

Individuals who already have reserved hotel rooms at the Fairmont Millennium Park for NETWORK2020 can cancel them by calling the hotel directly at 800-441-1414.