It is with great regret that we write to tell you that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s conference from September 15th- 18th has been postponed. The Society’s Executive Committee and the 2020 Local Organising Committee have decided that, in view of the uncertainty we all face and the pressures on our members, postponement is in everyone’s best interests.

Our plan is to hold the ‘2020 Vision’ conference in Liverpool but in 2021 with the same wonderful line-up of speakers and venues. Our revised plans are now subject to negotiation and as soon as we have more information, we will let you know.

It is proposed that our President, Sarah McKaig, will stay in office for an additional year. This will allow her to complete her presidential tour and continue to lead the Society as we pull through this challenging time. Professor Sondos Albadri would continue as President Elect, taking office at the 2021 conference.

The postponement decision raises a variety of questions around our annual awards and prizes. We fully intend that the valuable opportunities the prizes and awards afford to showcase the work of our talented members will be retained. If you have already submitted an abstract via the conference website please be assured that it will be considered. However, can we please ask you not to submit further abstracts via the conference website.

The Executive Committee wants to ensure the Society’s official business can be progressed transparently and efficiently despite not holding the AGM at the annual conference. We will report back on how we plan to do this once we have discussed our options.

We hope you keep well and we urge you to get in touch with the Society if you have any queries by emailing our administrator Neil Sutcliffe at administrator@bspd.co.uk.

We will be back in touch with more detail soon and, in the meantime, thank you in advance for your understanding.

With our very best wishes

On behalf of the BSPD 2020 Local Organising Committee,