> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.information-architecture.world/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.information-architecture.world/world-ia-day-organizer-guide/resources/inclement-weather.md).

# Inclement Weather

{% file src="/files/-LcjRjM4IUtl1r\_wvoc9" %}
A note from Abby Covert
{% endfile %}

The following is a formatted version of a note written by Abby Covert in February 2016. As the IA Institute President that year, she addresses the concerns of organizers whose celebration may be impacted by inclement weather.

> ‘Hey Ya’ll
>
> I was the organizer for WIAD NYC the year we had a record blizzard the evening before. It was harrowing to have spent that much time planning something only to have it threatened on the night before.
>
> Here is what happened:
>
> * I didn’t sleep very well, and woke up to look out the window every hour or so between 2 and 5 AM.
> * At 5 AM I realized that the snow was likely impactful to our speakers and attendees so I sent a note to them asking for a status. Many attendees told me that they wouldn’t make it and luckily only one panel speaker bowed out.
> * I then sent a note to the wait list letting them know that there might be open seats if our venue stayed open and to stay tuned.
> * By 7:00 AM I had confirmation from the venue that they would be able to support us.
> * I sent a note to everyone to confirm. I used some cute verbiage about being perfect weather for polar bears.
> * At 9:30 AM when we started, there was 50% or less capacity but the people that were there were psyched to be there and we did the show with half an empty room.
> * I interviewed Lou Rosenfeld on stage about the birth of IA as a field and consider that conversation to be a highlight of my life.
> * By Noon the place was full and the waiting list folks had showed up.
> * People had a great time.
>
> If I learned anything from this experience it was that we can’t control the weather and things may not go as expected.
>
> This post doesn’t have a “checklist” of to-dos attached but I hope you are taking away from this the following:

> > > ‘There are many things you can control about your celebration and plan for… but weather is not one of them.’
> > >
> > > Our WIAD Tokyo team can tell you how heartbreaking it was to cancel their celebration a few years back because of snow (our only weather cancellation in five years to my knowledge)—but they could also tell you how fun their remote celebration was as a result.
> > >
> > > I will be sending all my warmest vibes to all the snow-potential cities in the week leading up to WIAD. That’s all I can (or anyone) can do.’<br>