2020 National Red Angus Convention Scheduled for Sept. 23-25 in Harrisburg, PA Canceled Due to COVID-19



The RAAA board of directors has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 National Red Angus Convention that was scheduled for Sept. 23-25 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The wide-ranging difficulties of the COVID-19 crisis and its effects on our nation are well understood, and Red Angus is not immune. Please be aware that this decision was made with thoughtful consideration. After identifying and reviewing more than a dozen risk factors that could negatively affect the convention, the board chose to forgo this year’s meeting of the membership, believing the negatives and risks outweigh the potential benefits of trying to move ahead as planned. A major point of consideration was protecting the health and wellbeing of attendees, particularly our older members who may be more susceptible to serious illness from the virus.

 

This decision was made now, as opposed to waiting 30 or 60 days, due to the extended time window needed for preparation and organization to execute a successful convention of the size and scope that Red Angus conducts each year.

 

One important consequence of canceling the 2020 National Red Angus Convention is that our members will not be able to hold an election in September for Bylaws changes, board seats or for the position of president. The Red Angus Bylaws specifically require that only members in attendance at convention can vote. Therefore, as a substitute to the 2020 National Red Angus Convention, the RAAA board has decided to hold a one-day, annual membership meeting in Denver, Colorado, on Jan. 9, 2021, in conjunction with the National Western Stock Show. Seated board members with expiring terms will remain in office until the next membership vote takes place in January. The normal convention and voting schedule will resume with the 2021 National Red Angus Convention, which is slated for Sept. 15-17, in Boise, Idaho.

 

Canceling the 2020 National Red Angus Convention was a difficult choice to make, because it is always a highlight of the Red Angus year. However, given the combined challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the many secondary impacts it has created throughout our nation, the RAAA board’s decision is in the best interest of the membership, Association staff and the Red Angus breed.

 

Sincerely,

 

Tom Brink

CEO, Red Angus Association of America