2021 Conference Changed to Virtual Only

AUGUST 10, 2021 ADVISORY: Covid Delta Variant Prompts Move to Virtual-Only 2021 Conference

“We may want to be done with COVID-19, but it is not done with us,” has been the consistent warning to the country by CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. She is right. New infections of the wildly contagious delta variant have been rising nationally and in the Boston region over the past week, including indoor gatherings where face coverings and social distancing occur. As a result, NAPCO’s Executive Committee, including Conference organizers at the Massachusetts Trial Court, have closely monitored the situation. Based on our assessment, the best and safest course of action, given what we know, is to move the Conference to a virtual, online event only and abort the in-person gathering. We are disappointed and heartbroken

Here are the options for in-person registrants who have paid the $450 conference fee:

  • Switch to virtual registration; NAPCO will reimburse you or your court $250;
  • Cancel your attendance entirely; NAPCO will refund you or your court $450;
  • Defer your fee to NAPCO’s 2022 Conference in California (no cost increase to you next year); or
  • Donate the registration fee to NAPCO as a charitable deduction.

Here is what you can expect if you register for the virtual $200 Conference attendance option:

  • Mon. 8/23 – Leadership Academy 2 hours AM & 2 hours PM with Drs. Shapiro & Dornfeld
    How Leaders can Improve Trust (AM) and Collaboration (PM) in a Post-COVID World
  • Tue. 8/24 – 2 one-hour Plenary Sessions; plus 2 one-hour Workshops split between AM & PM
    Plenaries: Effective Court Responses to: Trauma Awareness (AM) and Mental Illness (PM)
    Workshops: Leading DE&I Efforts (AM) and Strengthening the PJ & CEO Talent Pipeline (PM)
  • Wed. 8/25 – 1 one-hour Plenary Session plus 1 one-hour Workshop in the AM only
    Plenary: The Conversation – Talking Truth about Racism to Change People & Courts (AM)
    Workshop: Lessons Learned about High-Profile Cases: The Derek Chauvin Trial (AM)

Additional information & instructions will be sent to all virtual conference registrants

Contact Nikiesha Cosby at or (757) 259-1591, if you need assistance with virtual registration, reimbursement, deferring, and donating fees.