Updated: 9 March 2020
What is SDI’s position on COVID-19 and SDI20?
In support of the UK Government’s aim of achieving a delay in the spread of Coronavirus in this country, SDI, like many other organisations around the world, has made the unprecedented decision to postpone the SDI20 conference taking place from 16-18 March.
While we continue to review the situation daily, we have pulled together these FAQs to help speakers navigate through the postponement. We will update these FAQs regularly wherever advice and decisions change.
Is the SDI conference still going ahead next week?
We have taken the difficult decision to postpone the SDI20 conference until we know more about the spread of coronavirus. The conference isn’t being cancelled but it is being moved to another date later in 2020, which is still to be decided. We are working closely with the venue and our suppliers to establish the best way forward.
How will this affect speakers?
We have worked really hard to create an exceptional programme of speakers and we would like to keep every speaker on the programme so that we can run exactly the same conference content later in the year. We would really appreciate it if you would still speak for us later in 2020 and we will confirm the date as soon as we know it.
What if I have booked my travel or accommodation already?
We would ask you contact your travel provider immediately to cancel or postpone your tickets. Train tickets are usually fully refundable for a small service charge. Flights will usually be transferrable. Often accommodation can also be cancelled at no charge before arrival.
Will SDI refund my travel or accommodation costs?
By taking this decision to ensure the safety of all of our conference stakeholders, SDI is incurring significant penalties from many suppliers. We will help where possible and we will be happy to discuss your particular circumstances.
What if I can’t make the new date?
We have worked really hard to create an exceptional programme of speakers and we would encourage every speaker to be available for the new date which we will communicate to you as soon as we can.
We’d like to thank you for being so understanding and we apologise unreservedly for any inconvenience caused.
