ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Citing news reports and increased cases of the Zika virus, especially in Puerto Rico, Larry Hoffer, WMIA president, has said that the Woodworking Industry Conference will be moved to California in April 2017.

“We share your concerns about traveling to an area that has been so closely associated with these occurrences, especially in light of recent advisories against travel to concentrated areas,” Hoffer said in an email message. “The leadership of WMIA and WMMA jointly decided that it is in the best interest of both organizations to move the 2017 Woodworking Industry Conference out of Puerto Rico.

“We have confirmed the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California, as the new location for the event.”

The resort is just a short drive from Palm Springs and features golf, tennis, water features and a spa. The dates of the event have not changed. WIC will be held April 25-28, 2017.

Check www.wmia.org for further updates.