Some Boston Events Proceeded as Scheduled, Despite Marathon Bombings
April 21, 2013
Two medical meetings - one of which was about to start moving in last week just a few blocks from the twin bombings that occurred during the marathon in Boston - went on as scheduled, despite the week-long search for the suspects that eventually ended April 19.
Another event that was meant to begin April 20-21, Boston Comic Con, was postponed at the John B. Hynes Convention Center.
James Rooney, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, sent regular updates to the trade show industry keeping them apprised of the fluid situation that included a “shelter in place order” on April 19, after one suspect had been killed and the other one still was at large.
Rooney issued the following statement when the order was placed:
“We are grateful for your patience in these unusual circumstances and wish that we could offer more certain information and direction with regard to activities planned for later today and over the weekend. That is simply not possible at this time, so the best we can do is offer ongoing, frequent instructions and tactical information throughout this ‘shelter in place’ order. All of our decisions during this incident will be made in the interest of public safety, and we are aware that this may cause inconvenience and event disruption.”
At that time, the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association’s Annual Meeting at the Hynes was in full swing and the Experimental Biology 2013 Annual Meeting at the BCEC had started moving in.
The ASCA event opened its doors April 17, just two days after the bombings, with the Hynes assuring attendees and exhibitors it still was safe to hold the event at the facility.
"We would like to assure our ASCA attendees that the Hynes has been thoroughly swept and is secure. Building staff have worked - and continue to work - with Boston police to keep the building safe. Your participation in ASCA 2013 will not interfere with the ongoing investigation, but WILL help Boston get right back to life. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
ASCA organizers encouraged attendees to come to the event, but added “some of you may not be willing to make the trip because of the emotional toll of yesterday's events. We understand, and if that is your decision, we will forgo our cancellation policy and credit your registration forward to next year's meeting in Nashville.”
The Experimental Biology 2013 Annual Meeting went on as planned April 20-24 at the BCEC.
Boston Comic Con, however, was meant to move in April 19, but was unable to do so because of the “shelter in place” order.
As a result, organizers decided to postpone the event.
“Due to the tragic events that have transpired here in Boston regarding the Boston Marathon, the Hynes Convention Center was forced to suspend all events. As such, The 2013 Boston Comic Con has been postponed and will be rescheduled to a to be determined date.”
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