The GALA Board of Directors held a special meeting on Tuesday night, to discuss concerns about the safety of moving forward with the much-anticipated lama event of the year.  In light of the current surge of Covid-19 cases taking place in our country at this time, and after a prolonged discussion about possible safety measures we could put in place, it was eventually decided that we simply could not guarantee the welfare of all participants.

So, for the safety of everyone, the board decided it would be best for all to postpone the conference until next fall, and we are already working with the Double Tree to secure those dates.

Now, this part is VERY IMPORTANT!! If you have already made a room reservation at the hotel, I need each of you to call the Double Tree Hotel yourself to cancel.  There are always a few people that reserve outside the block (Hotels.com, Expedia, etc.). If we ask the hotel to cancel your room for the conference, we have no way of knowing that every room was canceled. When you call, the agent will give you a cancellation number to confirm the room was released and your credit card will not be charged. 804-379-3800.

For those of you that have already registered for the conference, you will be contacted shortly about a full refund of that money.

We are currently having discussions about hosting a series of webinars or other educational opportunities throughout the year, so you could still have a chance to talk with a great camelid vet, or a trainer, or to learn from one of our crafty fiber experts, even if only virtually.

At a time that I was planning to announce how excited I was about the upcoming event, it makes me sick to be writing you this message! I am so sorry we won’t be able to see each other, this year. And worse I am disappointed… I knew this was destined to be one of the best conferences ever! (I know 2022 will be huge).

Stay tuned… we will let you know what we come up with soon!

Sincerely,

Steve Silverberg
GALA President