(August 2021) – This article was taken from the Aug. 13 Issue of Current Report, as well as a Memo Sent to Member Hospital CEOs and Administrators on Tuesday, August 17 from KHA 

As reported in the Aug. 13, issue of Current Report, a subcommittee of the Kansas Hospital Association Board has been established to review the feasibility of hosting the 2021 KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show in person. The subcommittee, comprised of the KHA Executive Committee and hospital and physician leaders from Wichita, met on Aug. 6 to monitor the ever-changing COVID-19 environment. A subsequent discussion will take place on Aug. 13 to determine what mitigation steps will need to be implemented if the convention proceeds in person, or whether the external factors suggest the convention be held virtually. 

The following memo was sent to member hospital CEOs and Administrators on Tuesday, Aug. 17, regarding the decision to hold KHA's convention in person. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact KHA at (785) 233-7436.

After thoughtful consideration, the KHA Board has made the difficult decision to not hold an in-person Convention and Trade Show on Sept. 9 and 10, 2021. This decision was made after gathering input from the KHA Executive Committee, hospital and physician leaders in the Wichita area, public health officials and KHA staff. The safety of members, vendors and staff is our priority and we made the decision that we thought best-protected everyone.

We have worked with the Hyatt Regency Wichita and Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview to automatically cancel all reservations within the KHA room block without penalty. If you made reservations outside the room block or at another hotel, you will need to take action to cancel the room reservation.

KHA will be issuing refunds for all registrations and ticketed events that we have received to date. Please be patient as we work out the best way to handle this process.

We do want to make the most out of an unfortunate situation. We are excited about options as a replacement to convention activities. We will be featuring a few of the speakers in a virtual format, recognizing award winners and offering networking opportunities.

We wanted to share this news as soon as possible to facilitate your internal planning. Additional information will be shared soon about alternative activities.

Thank you for all you are doing to keep your communities safe and healthy.

Chad Austin
President and CEO
Kansas Hospital Association
215 S.E. Eighth Ave.
Topeka, KS 66603-3906
(785) 233-7436
Fax: (785) 233-6955
caustin@kha-net.org