I had the same experience trying to cancel the hotel. I was told that I had to call prior to 3pm today in order to avoid the "penalty". After some explaining that I am on the west coast and I did not even get notice until after 3 pm, that would have been impossible.
A little patience and further explanation that the entire conference was cancelled seemed to get them to move in the right direction.
In the end it did take an extra 15 minutes but they relented and waived the fee.
Now to deal with the airlines. I hold out less hope with them......
Looking forward to hearing that everything at the home office is up and running, that all persons and their families are safe and that recovery there on the east coast is as quick as it can be.
Sky
