The Pilates Method Alliance released news today that its board members have made the tough decision to cancel its 2009 International Education Conference. In March, they noticed that sales patterns were down compared to years past, and an online survey conducted in April showed that many regular conference attendees weren’t planning to come this year. Overall, sales were down 70 percent, according to the PMA, which they credit to the global economic downturn. “We decided that we couldn’t go forward with the conference without destabilizing the organization,” said PMA Executive Director Elizabeth Anderson.

In an announcement on its Web site, the PMA board—which voted on the decision just two business days ago—said, “As a not-for-profit organization, we must be responsible to our alliance members, certificants, delegates, sponsors and exhibitors, to ensure that we do not operate the conference at a loss, as this would draw away funds that are needed to continue other essential functions of the PMA.” For those who have already paid for the 2009 conference, the PMA is offering a refund or an open credit, which can be applied to the 2010 conference, membership, merchandise or any of its other offerings.

The 2010 PMA conference is still in the works, and Anderson is confident it will be a success. Its location—Long Beach, CA—is one reason: she says PMA delegates love visiting California. It will also be the event’s 10th anniversary, and she thinks that after two years off, attendees will be more than ready to learn and connect with colleagues. As for the economy, she’s also hopeful it will be in better shape.

In the meantime, Anderson says the PMA is looking into offering Webinars, especially on business topics. The organization will also have more time to “focus on internal things that can strengthen what we’re doing for members,” said Anderson, including health, vision and dental benefits and help for members who need Websites. The lack of conference revenue this year will be challenging, said Anderson, but she’s confident the organization can compensate in other areas.

For attendees who were planning on fulfilling their CECs at the conference, the PMA is recommending other conferences and workshops, including the Pilates Round Table, Inner IDEA, Pilates on Tour and Power Pilates offerings.

The 2010 PMA conference will take place Nov. 4-7, 2010, in Long Beach, CA.