Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and corporate travel restrictions, the International Automotive Remarketing Alliance has “revised its strategy” for its 2020 IARA Summer Roundtable Conference and will produce the “2020 IARA Virtual Summer Roundtable.”

“IARA’s first consideration is the health and safety of its members and guests,” IARA president Paul Seger said in a news release announcing that the Virtual Summer Roundtable will replace the original event that was scheduled for Aug. 18-20 in San Antonio.

Seger continued, “The Alliance is stronger than ever, and we aim to keep it that way.”

IARA said it will be “pouring all of its resources” into producing the virtual summer roundtable, adding many features that would not have been included in the traditional format. The alliance will offer a virtual expo hall and unique sponsor positioning, opportunities for interactions between attendees, and relevant topics and keynote speakers, in addition to bonus features and materials that registrants will be able to access even after the conference is over.

“The industry is hungry for information, and the IARA is primed to provide leadership and content for this very important lifecycle of the remarketing industry,” Seger said.

IARA expects the 2020 IARA Virtual Summer Roundtable to take place during the general timeframe as the originally scheduled meeting. The alliance will announce those details as the agenda and dates are finalized.

IARA executive director Tony Long said the alliance heard positive feedback about its recent webinar series, “The Road to Recovery.”

“But the virtual conference will be a major event that will take us to next level and reflect IARA’s prominence as The Voice of the Consignor,” Long said.