Dear SGC International Community,

It is with great disappointment that I am writing to inform you that the SGCI Executive Board and the Puertográfico Steering Committee have come to the decision that we must postone Puertográfico 2020 from its original schedule of  April 1 – 4, 2020 to a later date. This is a heartbreaking outcome for those of us who have worked so hard to create an SGCI conference truly like no other while introducing our membership to the remarkable printmaking tradition, culture, environment, and people of Puerto Rico.

We have been working non-stop weighing all of the concerns and challenges of our conference and the coronavirus. As a board it is our responsibility to look out for the best interest of the organization with special regard to the financial health of SGCI. This has been a primary concern as we are contractually obligated to the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino and have incurred expenses for this conference. We have also been receiving many cancelation notices from our members, vendors, and panelists that have affected all levels of programming. Ultimately, we are concerned about the health and safety of our conference attendees, Puerto Rican citizens, and everyone’s families. The only right thing to do at this time is to reschedule.

At this time we are beginning discussions about how we move forward with all things related to Puertográfico. We are developing plans for the handling of registration fees and conference events that cannot be rescheduled. We will be working with our hosts and the Sheraton to reschedule Puertográfico. Above all, we are striving to do everything we can to express our admiration of, gratitude for, and friendship with the Puerto Rican printmaking community. We will continue to work to ensure that they feel they are a valued and supported part of our community.

SGCI would like to express our continued gratitude to all who have been instrumental in the development, planning, and organizing of Puertográfico 2020, especially our Puerto Rican compatriots. We also appreciate the input that we have received from so many of our members and attendees over the past few weeks.

We will reach out to you as soon as we have more information for you. If you have questions or concerns, please send them to support@sgcinternational.org. We will respond as promptly as possible.

In the meantime, please be certain to cancel your room reservations at the Sheraton. You have up until three days before your scheduled arrival to cancel your reservations. If you do not, the Sheraton will charge you the full rate for your stay.

Thank you for your patience as we have worked to come to a consensus on this matter.

Respectfully,

Charles Beneke
President, SGC International