Due to concerns around the rapidly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, SAE International has made the difficult decision to cancel the WCX 2020 World Congress Experience, originally scheduled for April 21-23, in Detroit. Before making this decision, SAE extensively monitored and evaluated health guidance from international health authorities, government- and corporate-imposed travel restrictions, and the recently declared State of Emergency issued by the State of Michigan.
WCX has long been the marquee industry event for showcasing technological innovations in the world of mobility, so SAE is evaluating alternate options for how to best deliver the technical content that has been developed to registered attendees. We remain firmly committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our members, customers, partners and staff who are attending our events, and apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation has caused.
WCX 2020 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was this event canceled?
The recently declared State of Emergency issued by the State of Michigan, along with guidance from health authorities, government- and corporate-imposed travel restrictions, and general concerns around the rapidly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in SAE International making the difficult decision to cancel WCX 2020 World Congress Experience.
2. Can I get a refund on my registration?
Attendees: All registered attendees will receive a full refund. Starting April 14, you can also purchase technical papers from the event by visiting the SAE website.
Exhibitors: Exhibiting companies have the following options for money paid to-date:
a. Request a full refund
b. Allocate money paid towards securing a presence at the WCX 2021 event, scheduled for April 13-15, 2021, in Detroit
c. Discuss options for sponsorship and branding associated with the virtual event features currently under development
If you purchased products or services from a WCX vendor, please contact them directly.
3. Will there be a virtual event to present the content?
SAE is evaluating options for delivering a portion of the technical content through a virtual platform. More information is to come at a later date.
4. Can I get a refund on my hotel?
Hotel reservations made through the WCX Housing site via the link provided on the WCX Travel & Preparation page will be canceled automatically. No action needs to be taken on your part if you booked through the WCX website.
If you require any specific information regarding your hotel reservation, please contact Orchid Housing at 800.847.5810 (North America) or 801.505.4138 (international).
If you made alternate lodging arrangements, you will have to cancel those reservations.
5. Can I get a refund on my travel?
Many airlines are offering change fee waivers for booked airfare. Please contact your travel provider for their currently established fee and cancellation policies.
6. What is the status of the other events that were co-locating with WCX?
Pre-conference professional development classes scheduled to occur April 18-20 will be canceled. Course registration fees may be applied to future offerings or refunded in full. All other events and meetings scheduled to take place during WCX 2020, April 21-23, at TCF Center are canceled.
7. Will the cancellation impact the publication of WCX technical papers?
All approved technical papers from WCX 2020 will be published and available for purchase on April 14.
8. What is the status of SAE standards committee meetings scheduled in conjunction with WCX?
The standards committee meetings will be rescheduled to take place virtually. Please contact your appropriate SAE Global Ground Vehicle Standards Specialist for further details.
9. Will there be a WCX World Congress Experience in 2021?
Planning has already started for WCX 2021 World Congress Experience and SAE is looking ahead to creating a groundbreaking event, scheduled for April 13-15, 2021, in Detroit.
10. Are any other SAE events being impacted by the coronavirus situation?
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly evolving and we extensively monitored and evaluated health guidance from international health authorities to determine the best approach for all SAE events. In addition to WCX World Congress Experience, we have made the difficult decision to postpone or cancel the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Symposium–Europe, AeroTech and High-Efficiency IC Engine Symposium. Additional information about those events are available on the event’s webpage.
11. Who should I contact if I have individual or specific questions that have not been answered here?
Questions and inquiries can be directed to SAE Customer Service at 877.606.7323 or 724.776.4970 or CustomerService@sae.org. SAE customer service hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET.
Additional information is available at www.sae.org/coronavirus.
