BHA Officers David Vincent, Mario Seneviratne, Bernie Drouillard and myself regretfully have to announce the cancellation of the BHA Annual Convention scheduled for Iowa City from June 11-13, 2020 due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation. At this point, the BHA felt that there was no choice for a number of reasons:
- The CDC in the US has recommended no groups larger than 10 people assemble for the next 8 weeks. While this only is effective until about mid-May, the possibility exists that it may be extended.
- The BHA has a lot of Canadian members who regularly attend conventions. As of last week, US and Canada agreed to shut down the border for non-essential trips. It is not known when this will be rescinded.
- The BHA also has a lot of members in the 60+ age group who regularly attend conventions. This is the group with the highest risk to Covid-19 and the BHA Officers do not wish to put them at risk.
- Even if activities were to return to normal in 4-6 weeks, people will be hesitant to travel for some time. If the convention had low attendance, the BHA would risk a financial loss due to the full size charter coaches that were already booked for our activities.
- While it might be possible to reschedule the convention later in the year, many of our members in the bus industry sign for their holidays during the previous year. This would make it hard for some people to adjust to a new time, with little warning.
The BHA is still hopeful of doing a convention in Iowa City, possibly in June 2021.
The BHA also thanks members who have submitted the convention survey for years 2021-2025. If you have not responded yet, there is still time. The results will be published in a future issue of “Bus Industry”.
Please be careful over the next few weeks and follow the suggestions of your elected officials to self-isolate and social distance. I know we are all looking forward to the day when we can resume our bus enthusiast hobby, but for now, it is safer inside.
Kevin Nicol
Convention Coordinator
Bus History Association