The current COVID-19 situation has placed restrictions on large gatherings and affected the ability of our speakers, attendees, and exhibitors to travel, having a direct impact on our educational sessions and tradeshow. Therefore, after much consideration and discussion, the Iowa Dental Association leadership has made the difficult decision to cancel IDEAS20 and the Des Moines District 2020 Spring Meeting in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Although we did consider postponing IDEAS20 and the Des Moines District 2020 Spring Meeting to later in the year, logistically this was not feasible, especially when dealing with the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19’s long term implications. We understand that many of you were counting on the continuing education received at IDEAS20 for your 2020 license renewal. The Iowa Dental Board recognizes this concern as well, and they will make rule waivers available for licensees needing to obtain more hours through self-study than what is permitted, due to COVID-19. Given this, the IDA is looking into options to provide online continuing education courses when possible. More information on this process, and the criteria the IDB will use to consider these waivers, will be available soon.

All existing attendee registrations will be canceled and full refunds, if applicable, issued over the next several weeks. If registration payment was made by credit card, the refunds will be issued to that card. For all registrations paid for by check, the IDA will issue check refunds in the full amount and send to the payee and address on that of the original check.

Exhibit Booth Fees
All existing exhibitor booth registrations will be canceled and full refunds issued over the next several weeks. If registration payment was made by credit card, the refunds will be issued to that card. For all exhibitor fees paid by check, the IDA will issue check refunds in the full amount and send to the payee and address on that of the original check.

IDEAS20 Sponsors
The IDA will be reaching out individually to all IDEAS20/Practice Transitions sponsors to further discuss possible alternatives, such as online trainings, etc. for our attendees while still getting recognition for your organization.

Hotel Reservations
All hotel reservations made at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown or at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown under the IDA IDEAS discounted rate, will be automatically canceled. Please note that hotel reservations made outside of the IDA conference block/rate will need to be canceled directly with the hotel.

This was not an easy decision, but one that we felt was most responsible. We will continue to keep you updated for any online continuing education offerings that we are able to provide and in the meantime, please save the dates for our future IDEAS conferences:

IDEAS21 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa April 29 – May 1, 2021