We are also hoping to have a working version of the new site in the ARC booth for the Expo. IF we can get it done in time we'll have it on a laptop connected to a larger monitor for display. While it won't be live it will have the new home page and posts from the beginning to 3/17/17. Posts after 3/17 will be brought in just prior to going live. Please realize that this is a big IF at the moment. But IF we can do it we surely will.
Given the size and complexity of the Expo we want to devote our time in the short term to making sure to goes off without a hitch. Then deal with the new forum immediately afterwards. If all testing goes well there's a chance we will have it up by the end of April. At the moment I don't see why it won't be done by May 1st. But be sure, as we get closer we will be posting updates as to where we stand.
In the mean time we ask everyone to check that your email address is up to date in your profiles. Once we finally do go live this could be one of the biggest hurdles for us. Given the fact the the board is comprised of people that have day jobs, if there's a large number of members not getting the password update email it may take us some time to work through it all. We want everyone to have access to the new site when we make the switch over. So doing this small thing will go a long way in helping us manage our time towards the site and not accessibility issues.
Thank you for your understanding and help with this.