The US Business Network for Offshore Wind’s rearranged International Partnering Forum (IPF) will now be a 100% virtual event, after the venue in Rhode Island informed the organiser that the convention centre was being turned into an overflow hospital for low acuity Covid-19 patients.
IPF 2020 had been scheduled for 21-22 April but was put back to 18-21 August because of the virus outbreak.
A virtual IPF was held on 21-22 April to deliver some of the conference’s programme ahead of the main event in August.
The virtual event attracted 800 attendees and the Business Network for Offshore Wind president and chief executive Liz Burdock (pictured) said she has “no doubt that the Network can deliver the remaining content to our global offshore wind family in the same manner”.
Burdock said she was “naturally disappointed” that a portion of the IPF cannot be held in person, but she understands the reasons why the decision was made to use the convention centre as a hospital and had “no hesitation in voicing my support”.
She said: “In my mind, it is vital that the Network continue to facilitate ways for attendees to share ideas, get important peer feedback, and provide valuable networking opportunities despite the obstacles that we currently face.
“In consultation with the Board of Directors, we have decided that we will host the remainder of 2020 IPF fully online.”
In June, the Network will launch an IPF Livestream series for all registered attendees of 2020 IPF, and will include biweekly seminars that culminate on August 18-20 with WindMatch networking opportunities, CareerMatch job fair, a virtual exhibit hall and research poster sessions.