Of Pandemics and Postponements

2020 has certainly ushered in wholly unthinkable challenges, and the medical conference industry is clearly one that has been significantly affected—us included.  

Cosmetic Surgery Forum (CSF) has always been committed to providing a meaningful experience for all of our participants, which includes doing our part to keep everyone safe. Given the current and potential state of the world, I am not comfortable predicting where we will be in December of this year or potentially exposing anyone to any undue risk. 

We are therefore postponing the CSF conference for one year (It will be held December 1-4, 2021 at the JW Marriott in Nashville, TN).  

While we will certainly miss the camaraderie and energy of a face-to-face meeting, I truly feel we have made the right decision.  

In lieu of a live event in 2020, we plan to host sessions over the next 12 months offering the same type of collegial and frank discussions that attendees have come to love from us. As always, the content will be fresh, unique, and interactive.

While the possibility of a “virtual” conference was floated, I simply couldn’t see it continuing the tradition of CSF as a conference that attendees “wanted” to attend. I want CSF to stand for “have to attend” sessions—and that seemed unlikely in the virtual setting over a prolonged period of days.

It is so very important to continue to learn, interact, and grow, even during this horrible pandemic. CSF hopes to allow that possibility for you (in easily digestible bites), all while keeping you safe.

The salient aspect of this, though, is that we will only offer sessions that make sense and are compelling, as we realize that your time is valuable…and you won’t be there the next time if it is boring! This is the same thing we try to do every year at CSF.

Be well. Stay safe. Continue learning.

—Joel Schlessinger, MD, FAAD, Chief Cosmetic Surgery Editor