The New Jersey Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists has cancelled its annual conference, scheduled from Nov. 7-9 in Atlantic City, NJ.
Hurricane Sandy hit the Jersey shore and disrupted all essential services in the tri-state area, including NJ, NY and Conn. The New Jersey Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (NJAAOP) board and committee discussed the feasibility of going ahead with our conference. The major factors we considered were first, the safety of our members, and second, the lack of information from the hotel regarding the conditions at the hotel and in Atlantic City. The final factor was that most of our attendees have been out of work for assembly and it would be a hardship for them to attempt to attend the conference and miss 3 more days of work. Many members had flooding of their homes and many would not have access to gasoline for the trip.
Taking all these factors into account we decided to cancel. We struggled with the decision but in the end we felt it was the right thing to do.
We contacted the national office to help with a broadcast email because many people did not have phone or internet in NJ to get the information out.
All our exhibitors have been very supportive and are all talking about coming back next year. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that we have only received support for our decision. I would like to thank all those people who worked with NJAAOP to plan and set up the conference and we will be back next year.
Sincerely,
Carey Glass, CPO
President, NJAAOP
