Out of an abundance of caution, Associated Industries of Florida announced that the conference has been postponed due to potential threats from Hurricane Matthew, as well as the fact that several high-profile presenters have been forced to change their own travel plans to the event. No new dates have been set yet.

The latest track predicts the hurricane will move up the eastern coast of Florida, which will bring heavy rains and flooding to large swaths of the state, including central Florida.

Here’s the statement from AIF’s President and CEO Tom Feeney:

Due to the recent weather changes and impending Hurricane Matthew, we have made the decision to postpone the AIF Annual Conference and Board Meeting.  A number of high profile presenters have indicated early this morning that they would be unable to attend, as have a number of Board Members and AIF Members.

The Governor has declared a state of emergency for all 67 counties in Florida, and while we are fully hopeful that the worst of the storm will remain off-shore in the Atlantic, there’s appropriate concern about serious threats to portions of Florida involving wind, rain, flooding and related infrastructure, health and welfare concerns.

Registrants should contact the hotel to confirm cancellation of reservations and refunds, and AIF will refund registration fees or apply to the rescheduled Annual Conference event.

AIF’s political, advocacy and other operations continue in full swing and, while we are disappointed that an outstanding speakers line-up and event schedule will be postponed, we are concerned primarily about the welfare of our members, guests and all Floridians.  Please contact us if you have further questions.

Kind regards and please be safe.

Tom Feeney