2020 BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING REFUND POLICY 

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Black Swamp Bird Observatory regrets to inform you ​that the 2020 Biggest Week In American Birding will be cancelled. 
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We have closely monitored the situation and have decided, with the guidance of the
CDC and Ohio Governor DeWine, that we must cancel the festival to ensure the
safety of all of our speakers, attendees, volunteers,​and staff.

IMPORTANT REFUND DETAILS: PLEASE READ! 

What YOU have to do: NOTHING! Your refund will process automatically.
Once we cancel the event through our online registration company the refund process will be automatic. 
​​Registrants do not have to do anything in order to receive a refund. 

PLEASE BE PATIENT: ​It could take up to
two - three weeks for your refund to process. 

Because of the unprecedented number of events across the country being cancelled due to Covid-19, our online registration company, CVENT, is processing a massive number of refunds right now. In order to make the situation manageable, CVENT has implemented a refund review process. This will add a bit of extra time to the process, but we assure you that you will receive your refund. (We have been told the process could take up to 14 business days.) 

PREMIER REGISTRATION REFUND POLICY

Premier Registrations will be processed manually through PayPal.
​Please allow 2-3 weeks for the Bird Observatory staff to work though this process. 

YOU WILL RECEIVE A FULL REFUND

 As a courtesy to all of our registrants, Black Swamp Bird Observatory has waived the standard $25 refund administrative fee. And because we understand that these are challenging times financially for many people, we will also refund all memberships and donations made as part of your registration, as we know many registrants became members in order to receive the discounted registration fee. 

The cancellation of the festival is obviously a major financial loss for the Bird Observatory. If you are willing to donate back part of your registration fee, your support would be greatly appreciated. We plan to come back stronger than ever once this terrible crisis is behind us. Your support now, in these challenging times, can make a huge impact on getting our mission back on track in the future. 

Since Black Swamp Bird Observatory is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your support is tax-deductible. 
Donate $25 or more between not and May 1, and you'll be entered to win a fabulous
Birding Optics Prize Package valued at more than $6,000!
The drawing will take place on May 8, 2020. 

CONTACTING US WITH QUESTIONS

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and ask for your patience and understanding as we all do our best during these intensely challenging times. In an effort to follow our Governor’s guidelines and protect Black Swamp Bird Observatory staff, we are currently working from home. As such, we are not able to take phone calls at this time. Should you have questions or issues related to your refund, please email biggestweek@bsbo.org. 

REFUNDS FOR BIRDER'S MARKETPLACE VENDORS

Birder's Marketplace Vendors have two options for a refund:
​
OPTION #1) Allow Black Swamp Bird Observatory to hold your booth fee for the 2021 festival
OPTION #2) Request a refund for your booth fee

​Please email biggestweek@bsbo.org with your preferred option. Please include BOOTH FEE REFUND REQUEST in the subject line of the email.

The following sponsors have shown incredible generosity ​by ​offering to allow Black Swamp
Bird Observatory ​to retain their sponsorship support even though we're forced to cancel the festival 

Kirtland's Warbler Level

Bay-breasted Warbler Level

Blackburnian Warbler Level

Magnolia Warbler Level

Yellow Warbler Level