As the result of the increasingly devastating effects of the global COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the Executive Committee of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons has concluded that it is not possible to hold the 2020 Annual Meeting originally scheduled for June 6-10, 2020, in Boston. Thus, the meeting has been cancelled.
Protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our members, attendees, patients and families was paramount in us making this decision. Simply put, our physicians are, and will continue to be, needed in their local communities to address the needs of their patients in this time of crisis. Due to the limited number of faculty and other related factors, we are no longer able to host the high-caliber meeting that our attendees and exhibitors have come to expect.
Meeting Cancellation FAQ
CANCELLATION
Is the ASCRS meeting cancelled?
Yes. The 2020 Annual Meeting has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who do I contact with questions?
ascrs@fascrs.org
Are all ancillary events associated with this annual meeting cancelled as well?
Yes. All events related to the 2020 Annual meeting have been cancelled.
What about the Young Surgeons Early Career Mock Orals and More session?
ASCRS is exploring options. We are hoping to hold the mock oral session during the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress, Chicago IL, Oct 4th - 8th 2020. More details to come.
Will there still be any mentoring-related activities?
Mentorship is a critical initiative for ASCRS; we look forward to continuing to share the progress being made by the Mentorship Committee. Please keep an eye out for updates in ASCRS Digest. We are hoping to have an abbreviated version of the mentorship program at the American College of Surgeons. Details to follow at a later date.
What about the Pelvic Floor Symposium?
ASCRS is exploring options, more information to come.
Will the 2020 ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting (abstract and ePoster sessions) be postponed until a later date or rescheduled?
No. The live meeting will not be rescheduled. See below for more abstract information.
REFUNDS
Will I get a full refund for my ASCRS 2020 annual meeting registration?
Yes. Full refunds are being issued now and the process will be completed no later than June 30, 2020. We are doing everything possible to expedite the refund process.
How will refunds be issued?
Refunds for payments made by credit card will be issued to the card used to register. No action is required on the part of the refund recipient.
Registrants who paid by another means (e.g. check) may be contacted by ASCRS staff when necessary to process the refund by check.
Will my 2020 Membership dues be refunded?
No. If you have questions about renewing your dues for 2020, please email us at membership@fascrs.org.
If you have not yet renewed your Membership this year, we welcome renewals via the ASCRS website https://register.fascrs.org/dues.aspx.
HOTEL & TRAVEL
Is ASCRS refunding flight or travel costs?
No. It will be your responsibility to contact the airline carrier directly to request a full refund.
How can I cancel my hotel room?
Reservations made through the ASCRS Housing Bureau (onPeak) will be cancelled for you. Hotel reservations made outside the ASCRS Housing Bureau must be canceled directly.
Sheraton Boston: (855) 516-1090
Hilton Back Bay: (855) 605-0316
Westin Copley Place: (800) 721-7033
EXHIBITORS & SPONSORS
Will exhibitors/sponsors be refunded show management, hotel and travel fees?
This is not within ASCRS' control and should be discussed with each company's respective point of contact.
My company is an exhibitor/sponsor of the ASCRS 2020 Annual Meeting. Will we receive a refund?
Please contact your ASCRS sales associate for additional information regarding credits for the 2021 ASCRS Annual Meeting or refunds.
ABSTRACTS
Can I still present my abstract for the 2020 meeting?
Yes, a simple virtual option will be available for all abstracts accepted for presentation. This will fulfill all presentation requirements for the 2020 annual scientific meeting and can be so stated on your Curriculum Vitae. A detailed explanation of the process will be sent to abstract authors.
What if I do not want to present virtually for the 2020 meeting?
You may withdraw your abstract without penalty. You will also be released from any commitments associated with previous acceptance, including manuscript submission. If you choose you may submit your abstract to any other meeting including the 2021 ASCRS annual scientific meeting.
Do I need to submit my manuscript to the DCR?
If you are a Plenary or Quick Shot of Distinction presenter who is choosing to present on the 2020 virtual platform, yes. You must submit no later than August 10, 2020. If you chose to withdraw your abstract from the 2020 virtual platform, you do not need to submit your manuscript.
Will my abstract still be in the DCR online issue that is published before the meeting?
Yes.
When is the 2021 ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting?
April 24 - 28, 2021, San Diego, CA
When does the call for abstracts open and close for the 2021 ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting?
May 2020 - October 11, 2020
GENERAL INFORMATION
Will committee meetings normally held at the annual meeting be held this year via conference call?
Each committee chair will work with their staff liaison to determine how best to proceed. If you are on a committee that will virtually meet, you will be notified by email.
Will there be a virtual meeting? Sessions recorded?
There will not be a full virtual meeting. However, we are exploring options for repurposing the 2020 annual meeting content. People choosing to submit a voiceover for their power point presentations will record this and submit for the abstract symposium. More information to come.
How can I earn CME credit in lieu of the meeting?
ASCRS offers several opportunities for CME, including the CARSEP program, please visit https://fascrs.org/my-ascrs/education/carsep. Other virtual educational programs are in the planning stages, and we will provide more information as soon as it’s available.