Postponed twice, it wasn’t to be – but will be back!
2020 happened! We can confirm (with great disappointment on behalf of all involved) that we have cancelled the 2020 Champions Retreat, after two postponements. It was scheduled to go ahead in March 2021.
Despite so much positive news on our collective efforts to beat Covid-19 in Australia and New Zealand, there remains considerable risk in planning in-person events with large gatherings. Outbreak management may see areas and borders closed again with little notice. There is also uncertainty around travel, density limits, and other public health measures. We have explored alternative venues and plans, but all remain subject to the risk of last-minute cancellations of flights and accommodation, and by our venue and vendors. We’re also aware that many in our community are unable to travel to Tasmania from their current home bases, whether due to company travel bans or inaccessible flights, and it wouldn’t be the Champs Retreat we once planned.
We have therefore made the difficult decision to cancel the B Corp Champions Retreat in March 2021. All ticket holders have been emailed with details about refund processes (contact us through the web form if you haven’t seen this come to you). But it’s not all bad news, we have a great plan ahead for 2021. Read on!
A new approach for 2021
In planning for 2021 we are focussed on bringing our B Corp community together, without the risk of a major last-minute cancellation. We are planning a series of events across Australia and New Zealand in major cities where our B Corps are located – in addition to B Local activities planned for the year.
Our goals are to:
- Connect people from B Corps in each location in person at a social gathering
- Run sessions focussed on improving impact, delivered online to allow attendance across locations
- Connect with key global leaders at each session
- Design & deliver the events in partnership with B Locals (where applicable) and B Corps
These events will be open to all B Corps, in addition to retreat ticket holders.
Dates and plans for these events are forthcoming. We also plan to bring you a Champions Retreat down the track, once there is enough certainty – and we hope you can join us when we do. Our team is looking to pay Spring Bay Mill a visit to support them after a challenging year – should borders and flights allow – and we hope the wider community will one day too. They have created a beautiful space in a location with a troubled history, and have been incredibly supportive of B Lab in managing the postponements.
Thanks again to our event Partners
We want to again acknowledge our event Partners who have been incredible at backing B Lab through this difficult time, and who have helped enable refunds with their funding and in-kind support. Without their support and leadership we would not have been able to evolve our plans.
Our gratitude goes to:
- Intrepid Group, our Principal Partner
- Marque Lawyers, Patagonia, BlueRock, Small Giants and Australian Ethical for supporting the event as Major Partners
- Local Peoples, Harvey and Torrens University for delivering substantial in-kind services
Thanks also to Sahaja Yoga Mats and Flora & Fauna who had both made commitments to in-kind support at the event itself. Their contributions were going to delight you!
For now, stay well and all of us at B Lab look forward to seeing you soon.
Yours in community
Andrew, Kira & the B Lab team
