Organizers of the National Indian Child Welfare Association’s (NICWA) annual conference had planned to host it in Orlando this year after two years of a virtual-only format. But those plans have changed.

The “Protecting Our Children” conference from April 3-6 will now be offered in a virtual format only, “out of an abundance of caution due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”

“While we all had high hopes of gathering in-person this year, we find it to be in everyone’s best interest to take the conference back to a virtual-only platform again,” organizers said in a statement Feb. 4.

The conference is the largest of its kind to focus on tribal child welfare and well-being. The Seminole Tribe is once again the lead sponsor of the event, which last year had almost 1,500 online attendees from dozens of states and Canadian provinces representing hundreds of tribes.

Organizers said those who have already registered to attend in person and have paid in full would receive a refund for the difference in price between the in-person conference rate and the virtual rate. Those who have not paid in full will receive an updated invoice for the balance due.

“We will be in touch with existing conference registrants to facilitate the refund process via email by Friday, February 11, 2022,” the statement said.

Organizers said there would be no changes made to those who have already registered for the virtual-only conference rate.

“Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate another year of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement said. “We hope you and your community are safe and well during this trying time.”

Questions can be directed to training@nicwa.org. More information is at nicwa.org.