Hello, SIGDOC community—
We are writing to inform you that as of right now SIGDOC 2020 in Denton, TX is still scheduled to be held as planned (October 3-4, 2020). Even though we are seven months out from the event, we want to be transparent and active in our communication with you. The safety and well-being of all conference participants is of course our priority, and as such we are—as everyone is—following updates on the situation from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
We are also taking guidance from ACM about how they are approaching planning and contingencies for the rest of the SIGs. In an email sent on February 28th, ACM informed all SIGs that it is up to our discretion to continue, cancel, or take online any conference scheduled over the next three months. Given the unpredictability of the coronavirus—and how much has changed even since that email—the SIGs might be receiving different guidance soon, and if that information is sent, we will be sure to share it with all of you. For now, you can expect an update on SIGDOC 2020 from us, the Executive Committee, at the very least by the middle of April.
In the meantime, here are some key bits of information we would like to share with you:
- Regardless of our decision to continue or cancel SIGDOC 2020, those who submitted for presentation will still have the opportunity to publish in the peer-reviewed proceedings—that workflow will not change, and the proceedings will still be published;
- We are in contact with CPTSC organizers to ensure as much coordination as possible; and
- The Executive Committee has begun discussing contingency plans, if necessary.
So, for now, given the uncertainty and time frame of SIGDOC 2020, we will continue as planned and adjust accordingly based on organizational and governmental guidance. In the meantime, let us know how we as a Committee can help you in any way—do not hesitate to reach out to any one of us.
We wish you and your families nothing but health and well-being during this time of transition and uncertainty.
Thank you—
Your SIGDOC Executive Committee
Daniel Richards
Sarah Read
Susan Youngblood
Emma Rose