An update on the 2020 NCFR Annual Conference:

At this time, NCFR’s focus is on developing a virtual conference to take place during the scheduled conference week in November. This direction is based on feedback from NCFR members, those who submitted conference proposals, and past conference participants; on evaluation by NCFR leadership and staff to ensure the health and well-being of conference participants; and on the need to continue conference program planning.

As the Conference Program Committee began its planning, it became evident that uncertainties around travel and funding for conference attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic were creating barriers to planning the conference. To move forward with program planning, we needed to begin thinking in terms of a virtual conference.

We know our conference attendees truly value and enjoy connecting in person at the NCFR conference. NCFR is committed to facilitating opportunities for networking and connection, including in a virtual setting. A virtual NCFR conference would provide as much academic content as an in-person conference, including real-time discussions and interaction. Our aim is to ensure that the important work family scholars and professionals are producing can still be presented, discussed, and shared widely among the Family Science community.

Additionally:

• Notifications for presenters: Notifications of acceptance will be emailed by June 1 to those who submitted proposals for the 2020 conference. More information specific to presenters will be provided in that email and other future emails.
• Conference registration: Because we are not able to ensure at this time that an in-person conference can take place in November, we are working to open registration for a virtual conference option within the month.

NCFR will continue to post the latest conference information on the NCFR website and send relevant updates; to receive future updates, make sure your primary email address with NCFR is set to an email to which you’ll have ready access (you can change your email address at my.ncfr.org).

Thank you for your support, understanding, and engagement with the NCFR community. We hope you are staying safe and well.

Sincerely,

Diane L. Cushman
NCFR Executive Director

Leigh A. Leslie, Ph.D.
NCFR Board President