Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Postponement
After much review, dialogue with key stakeholders, and considerable evaluation of the current COVID-19 impact, the SIO Board of Directors has decided to move the dates for the SIO2022 Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco, CA from 3-7 February 2022 to 24-28 March 2022. Please continue to check this page in the coming weeks for new information as it is available.
General Information
Why did SIO make this change?
SIO’s Board of Directors and staff team knows our community relies on the relevant education and networking gained at the Annual Meeting, and does not take any decision that impacts the event lightly.
However, these considerations are secondary to our concern for the safety and well-being of our attendees, exhibitors and sponsors, and your patients and communities. As such, SIO’s Board of Directors and staff team have been closely monitoring the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, stakeholder feedback, and recommendations from local and state health authorities. Most recently, the staff shortages our physicians are experiencing at their home institutions in early January made it impractical to hold the event over the original dates.
At the same time, we have been working with our partners in San Francisco to find an alternate date that still allows the event to occur in 2022 at a time when COVID-19 is not likely to pose the risk it currently poses. We feel comfortable we have achieved that balance with these spring dates.
Why did SIO not switch to a fully virtual event?
Coming together safely for SIO2022 in-person is a priority for the Society of Interventional Oncology. We recognize the unique and changing impact the pandemic has had on our practices, families, and plans over the last two years. It is our goal to offer an in-person experience to those who are able to attend while still providing a virtual access component instead of removing an in-person experience completely. Therefore, our top choice was moving the meeting to keep our original planned experience to a time that more attendees we believe will be able to convene.
What will happen with my original SIO2022 registration?
If you have already registered for SIO2022, we will automatically transfer your registration to the new event dates on your behalf. You will receive an updated confirmation for your records. Any additional requests will be handled on an individual basis.
Can I transfer my in-person registration to the Technology Pass option?
If you have already registered for SIO2022, we are happy to transfer your current registration type to the Technology Pass option, understanding that this allows you to view select live-streamed sessions only. SIO will refund the difference in registration cost. We encourage all attendees to strongly consider attending the new event dates in person before making the decision to switch their registration.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Yes, please email info@sio-central.org with your registration confirmation number and the name/contact information of the person that is taking over your registration. Please allow our team 48 hours to respond to your request during this time.
Do I need to cancel my hotel reservation for February?
If you have reserved a room within the SIO Annual Meeting discounted room block, your current reservation will be cancelled and you will need to re-book your room for the new dates. You will receive a cancellation email from the hotel directly. SIO will send out additional information in the coming weeks regarding our new hotel block deadline and instructions.
Will attendees, exhibitors, or sponsors be refunded for airline tickets?
SIO will not be responsible for any airline transfer fees or reimbursements. We understand that many airlines have suspended cancellation and similar fees due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19. Please contact your airline or travel agency for additional details.
Will the SIO2022 sessions be available virtually?
We recognize that some registered attendees may now not be able to attend during the new March 24-28, 2022 event dates. SIO will still offer a live stream of select sessions through our Technology Pass and make select session recordings available through our technology pass option. Additionally, all registered attendees will receive access to all session recordings following the event. Please watch your inbox, this webpage, and SIO’s social media platforms for additional updates.
Speakers and Scholarship Recipients
Will my 2022 IO Essentials scholarship be transferrable to the new dates in 2022?
Anyone who received an award or scholarship for SIO2022 will have their award transferred to the 24-28 March 2022 dates. At this time, we will not be transferring any scholarships or awards to the 2023 Annual Meeting. Scholarship stipends will still only be offered to in-person attendees to aid in covering the costs of travel and housing. For any requests or questions, please send directly to fellows@sio-central.org.
If I am a speaker, will a new invitation be sent to me to align with any changes to the March dates?
SIO will be sending specific surveys to all presenters regarding their ability to participate in the new 2022 meeting dates. Our goal is to retain the same program over these new dates and we will communicate any changes as they may occur in the coming weeks. If you are a speaker, please watch your inbox for communication in the coming days and weeks. We are hopeful that all presenters will still be able to participate, and we will communicate any changes to our speakers.
Will oral and poster presenters still be able to present at SIO2022?
Yes. SIO will be sending specific surveys to all presenters regarding their ability to participate in the new 2022 meeting dates. We are hopeful that all presenters will still be able to participate, and we will communicate any changes to our speakers.
Exhibitors and Sponsors
Will exhibitors and sponsors current contracted be transferred to the new dates?
SIO will honor the current sponsor and exhibitor contracts for SIO2022 and will transfer booth space and benefits accordingly to the new 2022 dates. The primary contact for your company will receive further information from your SIO relationship manager. You can expect to receive an email communication by the week of 17 January with more information.
Will paid exhibitor badge registrations be transferred to the new dates?
All contracted exhibitors and sponsors for the SIO2022 Annual Meeting will have their badges transferred to the new event dates in 2022.
Future Meetings
Will SIO change the SIO2023 Annual Scientific Meeting dates?
There are currently no plans to change the dates of the SIO2023 Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, D.C., 18-23 January 2023.
Please email info@sio-central.org if you have additional questions.
