AKRON—The ACS Rubber Division has canceled its upcoming Spring Technical Meeting because of developments related to the coronavirus disease, the group said in a statement.
The 197th Technical Meeting of the organization was scheduled for April 28-30 in Independence, Ohio. The decision was made because "the safety, health and well-being of our members, community, staff and those who engage with our organization are of utmost importance" to the association.
"As an alternative, we are working to provide an online option for the viewing of the technical meeting presentations that were scheduled for this event and will communicate this information out once details are determined," the Rubber Division's statement said.
Besides technical presentations, the meeting also was scheduled to have the Science and Technology Awards Banquet, where the division gives out its top awards, including the Charles Goodyear Medal. In addition, Ali Dhinojwala, the University of Akron's interim dean for the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, was scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
If individuals already registered for the meeting and/or booked a hotel room within the contracted room block at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Cleveland-Rockside, they will be contacted directly with further information, according to the Rubber Division.
If individuals made a hotel reservation at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Cleveland-Rockside through the official channel under the contracted room block for the meeting, they are instructed to call 216-986-9900 (press 1 for reservations) to cancel the reservation.
The Rubber Division said it would not be able to help with housing booked outside of Rubber Division's housing arrangements. Individuals should contact their hotel provider directly.
Regarding travel, the division advised individuals to contact their transportation provider directly, as most have made special provision to address COVID-19 related issues.