NEW YORK — Virtuoso Chairman and CEO Matthew Upchurch says that while it has become “painfully obvious” the 2020 Virtuoso Travel Week conference will not proceed in-person, attendees should still keep the Virtuoso Travel Week dates open.

In a letter to delegates, Upchurch says he and his team are “crafting an alternative” to the usual format. This year’s event was originally scheduled to take place in Las Vegas at Bellagio, Aria & Vidara from Aug. 9 – 13.

Upchurch has also released a video. “Our beloved Bellagio stands closed as we speak, most of us are in lockdown and so many of our colleagues and friends have been profoundly affected,” he says.

In his letter, Upchurch says: “For 31 consecutive years, Virtuoso Travel Week has been the physical manifestation of Virtuoso’s greater purpose: to enrich lives through human connection. And, as most of us endure lockdowns, we’ve never been more grateful for the depth and breadth of relationships forged at this unique, global event. Relationships that have enriched our lives as professionals, and enhanced the experiences of our mutual clients – resulting in enduring friendships.

“While this pandemic has continued its march across the world, we waited in hopes of seeing a level of recovery that would allow us to convene this August. It’s become painfully obvious that Virtuoso Travel Week 2020 cannot take place in its traditional format in Las Vegas as originally scheduled.

“But don’t fill your calendar the week of August 9-13 just yet. We’re crafting an alternative that captures the quality you expect from us as well as many of the aspects we all love about this week, from strengthening industry knowledge to fostering new and existing relationships, only now in a virtual setting. The new concept will include an Opening Ceremony on Monday, August 10, as well as a virtual ‘Under One Sky’ sustainability seminar, and other elements to be announced soon.

“So, for our 32nd year, we’ll build upon our years of deep connection, and deliver key elements of the industry’s most inspirational travel event in a new way.

“In these times, human connection and co-creation are more important than ever. There will be a time when we come together in person again. Until then, we look forward to connecting virtually, and in the future, combining the best of both physical and virtual events.”