Important Information Concerning the 2020 RCA Conference

To the Entire RCA Community –

Innovation, creativity and community are the core of the Research Chefs Association.

The best organizations adapt and innovate when presented with challenges, and RCA has a unique opportunity to be who we are at the core: innovators. We are excited to announce that the RCA Conference will transform into RCA Powered Up — a series of online, interactive content taking place in May through June.

This new, innovative approach will allow:

• For RCA to engage our community
• An increased number of Continuing Education (CE) credits
• The ability to attend all offered sessions rather than needing to choose among concurrent breakout sessions
• The opportunity for additional colleagues and customers to share in the conference experience without the risk of travel in this uncertain time

All existing registrants will receive a communication regarding registration for RCA Powered Up. For attendees, we are offering a refund on the difference between your original registration and the new RCA Powered Up registration. For exhibitors and sponsors, you will have the opportunity to convert your commitments to new programs specific to RCA Powered Up. An RCA representative will contact you directly with more information.

We've anticipated many of what we believe will be the "FAQs" for this decision and the new online event for attendees, sponsors and exhibitors at the bottom of this email. If you have any questions that are not addressed below, please don't hesitate to reach out to rca@culinology.org. More information about RCA Powered Up, including a fully updated content schedule, will be distributed in the coming weeks.

Innovation, creativity and community are at the core of what we do. These actions demonstrate our commitment to push the boundaries of excellence and support for our community.

From the entire leadership team and staff of RCA, we thank you and appreciate your continued support.

Regards,
Justin Kanthak, CCS®, CRC®
President, RCA Board of Directors
Segment Director: Snacks, Griffith Foods Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has the conference been cancelled?

The decision was made to protect the health, safety and well-being of our attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and staff. It goes without saying that this is a decision that was not entered into lightly, especially in this highly complex, quickly changing environment. We sincerely appreciate your continued support and patience and look forward to engaging with you during RCA Powered Up.

I'm already registered to attend the RCA Conference. What happens to my registration?

All registered attendees will automatically be registered for RCA Powered Up. In addition, registered attendees will receive the following refunds based on the time and type of registration:

Members:

• Early Bird Member original registration $725 = $450 refund
• Early Bird Student Member original registration was $225 = $200 refund
• Regular (after Early Bird) Member registration is $825 = $550 refund
• Regular Student Member $250 = $225 refund

Non-Members:

• Early Bird Non-Member original registration was $985 = $460 refund
• Early Bird Student Non-Member original registration $285 = $260 refund
• Regular Non-Member registration is $1095 = $570 refund
• Regular Student Non-Member $310 = $285 refund

Not registered for the 2020 RCA Conference? Registration for RCA Powered Up will be opening soon:

• Members $275
• Non-members $525
• Student members $25
• Student non-members $25

What if I would like to cancel my registration?

Cancellations received in writing by Friday, March 20, 2020, will be refunded with a $100 processing fee and processed to your original form of payment. Student cancellations will be refunded with a $25 processing fee. No refunds will be given after Friday, March 20, 2020.

Please contact RCA Registration at registration@culinology.org to cancel or make changes.

What about flight and travel arrangements?

All attendees need to contact their own airlines/travel insurance companies to understand their policies and whether flights can be transferred and what penalty fees, if any, may apply.

How do I cancel my hotel reservation(s)?

Reservations made directly into the RCA block are being automatically canceled and fully refunded. Reservations made outside of the block with the hotel or through a third party, like Expedia or Travelocity, are the responsibility of the delegate to cancel. If in doubt, please call the hotel directly to confirm your cancelation at (619) 702-3000.

FOR SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

What will happen to sponsors and their financial support of and visibility at the RCA Conference?

You will have the opportunity to convert any element in your sponsorship to an RCA Powered Up program or take advantage of existing RCA year-round programs. RCA will contact you to discuss your preferences and needs. For sponsor elements that have already been spent (e.g., badge stock, registration bags), RCA will be reaching out over the next week to discuss refund opportunities for those elements.

What will happen to exhibitors and their financial support of and planned presence at the RCA Conference?

All exhibitors will have the opportunity to convert their investment to have a booth at the RCA Conference to an online sales presentation at a dedicated time during RCA Powered Up. You will have the opportunity to present any aspect of your portfolio or your expertise in a 30 minute session. RCA will contact you directly to discuss your specific needs.

Please contact RCA’s sales manager, Andrew Haigh, at ahaigh@culinology.org for alternative arrangements.

What about freight that is already in transit or received?

In the unlikely event that the venue or Inclusive Management Services (IMS) has received your freight, we ask that you make arrangements for a return shipment at your earliest convenience. IMS will help to explore the best options for returning your shipment. If your shipment is in transit, it will be refused upon arrival and should be returned by your shipper.

If you have any questions, please contact rca@culinology.org.