Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the 2020 Annual Assembly cancelled?
After closely monitoring updates and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), state and local governments, and following travel advisories and restrictions, the AAHPM and HPNA Boards of Directors decided to cancel the 2020 Annual Assembly. We never want to risk exposing people in our workforce to a situation where they could be compromised and unable to provide hospice and palliative care for an extended period of time. With the growing number of registrant and speaker cancellations, as well as the numerous institutional travel restrictions in place, our leadership has determined that it was in the best interest of all not to move forward with the meeting.
Will the Annual Assembly be postponed until a later date or rescheduled?
No. Meetings the size of the Annual Assembly are planned years in advance. We carefully coordinate with each host city to accommodate our attendees during a specific timeframe and as such, rescheduling is not an option. We hope you will join us in Denver, February 17-20, 2021.
Will attendees and exhibitors be refunded by AAHPM for hotel and airline costs?
Neither AAHPM nor HPNA will be able to reimburse you for your travel expenses. You will need to cancel your hotel reservations immediately. We suggest you contact your airline and request a refund. If they are unwilling to grant a full refund, they may be willing to reschedule you for another flight in the future.
Will registration and exhibit fees be refunded?
We expect to issue all refunds within 60-90 days beginning in mid-March and will let you know if we need any additional information. Please be patient as we process more than 3,500 refunds for attendees, exhibitors, vendors and other partners.
Exhibitors will qualify for a full refund of their exhibit fee. Exhibitors may also opt to put their 2020 Assembly exhibit fee towards a 2021 Assembly exhibit booth. Preferences were due to Allison Whitley by April 15 at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Please view the 2021 Exhibitor Application and 2021 Exhibit Hall floor plan.
Can I apply my refund to a future AAHPM or HPNA meeting or event?
No, it is our policy to refund registration fees when an event is cancelled. You will need to register separately for future AAHPM or HPNA events.
If I wanted to support AAHPM or HPNA with a donation or donate back my registration fee, how can I do that?
Thank you for your support and thoughtfulness. Although we cannot transfer your registration fee to a donation fund, you can make a donation directly to AAHPM or HPNA.
Will any sessions be made available virtually?
The plenary speakers, Susan Cain and Jeremie Saunders, have agreed to record their session and make it available to all registered attendees. A link will be sent to you once the video has been uploaded to AnnualAssembly.org.
The staff and Assembly leaders are working on contingency plans and will share options for presenting the content that you have all worked hard to develop.
When is the next Annual Assembly?
The Annual Assembly will be held February 17-20, 2021 in Denver, CO.
When will the 2021 Call for Proposals open?
As we work through the ongoing changes and challenges brought by the coronavirus, there is an altered schedule for 2021 Calls for Proposals to help focus content and delivery methods for the upcoming year.
The call for concurrent session abstracts previously scheduled for June is cancelled. We received an overwhelming positive response from the 2020 session leaders to present their content in 2021. All speakers for preconference sessions and additional ‘just-in-time’ sessions on providing hospice and palliative care during a pandemic will be invited to present.
All pre-conference sessions will be by invitation only for 2021. There will be opportunity later in the year to submit recommendations for COVID-related content and other timely topics.
The call for Scientific and Quality Improvement Papers and Posters will take place July 7-21. The call for Case Studies and Scholar Posters dates will be determined in July.
Each completed abstract submission will be assessed a $30 fee to help offset the rising costs of technology to manage the abstract system. We appreciate your understanding and support.
I was scheduled to present a session, paper, poster, or case at the Annual Assembly. Does the cancellation of the meeting mean I can no longer list my presentation on my resume or CV?
In discussion with several leaders in the academic community, it is their opinion it is acceptable to include your presentation or poster on your CV and note the conference was cancelled. You are also advised to inquire with your own division/department leadership if you are up for promotion soon.
Refer to How to Create an APA Style Reference for a Canceled Conference Presentation for specific style guidelines.
I was going to be honored on Saturday morning and receive my official "FAAHPM" designation. Can I use the designation now?
Yes, new Fellows are eligible and encouraged to use the FAAHPM designation once they are notified - it is not contingent upon walking on stage. We are looking at alternate ways to publicize/honor those who received the designation this year.
Were we able to negotiate our contracts with vendors in light of the Assembly being cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes. We want to acknowledge and thank the following vendors who worked with AAHPM and HPNA on contract commitments to the Annual Assembly. Without their help, the financial impact on AAHPM and HPNA would have been even more significant:
- San Diego Convention Center
- Hilton San Diego Bayfront
- Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
- Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Hotel Solamar
- Smart City – San Diego Convention Center
- Onsite Audio Visual -San Diego Convention Center
- MAC Productions
- Digital Conventions, LLC
- Ian Ryan Interactive
- Fleetwood Onsite Conference Recording
- The Negotiation Company
- Hard Rock Hotel San Diego