NASBLA Annual Conference Goes Virtual in 2020
NASBLA has continued to monitor the constantly changing environment surrounding the 
COVID-19 pandemic. We see the impact that it has already had, and will continue to have, on state and agency personnel and budgets. Based on much discussion between the NASBLA Executive Board and our members, the NASBLA Executive Board has made the decision to postpone the in-person conference that was to be held this year in Manchester, New Hampshire. NASBLA will instead be hosting a hybrid conference in 2020 that will be held virtually and, on a very limited basis, in person in Lexington, Kentucky.
This conference will consist of a virtual accommodation for those who will be restricted from traveling, or would prefer to attend virtually, and in-person opportunities in Lexington for those who are able to attend. In order to comply with the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) social distancing guidelines, the number of physical attendees will be limited. The decision to postpone the in-person conference in New Hampshire was based on a variety of factors including state budgets that have already seen significant impacts due to the pandemic, anticipated travel restrictions and an overall emphasis placed on keeping those who would be attending the annual conference safe.
While the NASBLA Executive Board and staff will truly miss the opportunity to meet and interact with everyone in-person, this unique and exciting opportunity will succeed in providing our members with a meaningful event that will support the complex and unique circumstances being experienced in recreational boating across our country. Now more than ever, it is important to come together to share our knowledge, experiences, challenges and solutions.
The NASBLA Executive Board and the NASBLA staff appreciate your understanding during this challenging time and look forward to providing you with this hybrid event. We will communicate additional details regarding the event in the coming weeks. Please reach out to any member of NASBLA's staff with any questions or concerns. We hope you all are staying safe and healthy and look forward to getting back together in person in 2021!