With the number of coronavirus cases continuing to rise and the latest social distancing guidelines extended through the end of April, it’s safe to assume most spring and early summer events will face cancellations. Just announced today, the executive leadership of AVIXA and InfoComm management have decided to cancel InfoComm 2020 scheduled for June 13‑19 in Las Vegas, Nevada. An email was sent out to exhibitors, attendees, partners, and staff this morning with refunding information for registrants and attendees as well as travel accommodations they made. As of right now, there are no concrete plans for a virtual show, but we do know that the in-person event will not receive a postponement.
“We are exploring all possible alternatives to deliver the high-caliber education, product information and engagement that InfoComm normally offers,” reads a post on InfoComm’s website. “We realize that while it will not be the same as experiencing InfoComm in person, we are committed to serving our industry and our members by working hard to help cover the void left by a cancellation. We ask for your patience during this unprecedented and still rapidly evolving period as we explore new programming.”
In the email that was sent this morning, AVIXA thoroughly explained all of the effort that goes into a show like InfoComm and why it is so devastating to make the decision to cancel.
A SHOW LIKE INFOCOMM BEGINS MONTHS BEFORE THE FIRST CRATE ARRIVES WITH ATTENDEES ARRANGING CALENDARS, BOOKING FLIGHTS, AND SETTING MEETINGS. IT BEGINS WITH EXHIBITORS LAUNCHING MARKETING CAMPAIGNS, COMMITTING TO VENUES FOR EVENTS, DESIGNING THEIR BOOTHS AND COORDINATING DOZENS IF NOT HUNDREDS OF STAFF CALENDARS. IT ALSO BEGINS WITH OUR SPEAKERS AND INSTRUCTORS SPENDING COUNTLESS HOURS HONING THEIR CONTENT AND REHEARSING. HOWEVER, WE WERE FORCED TO MAKE THE PAINFUL CHOICE TO TAKE AWAY THIS GATHERING OPPORTUNITY AND RETURN TIME, MONEY AND EFFORT TO OUR COMMUNITY, TO BE SPENT ON SUSTAINING EACH OTHER THROUGH THIS TRIAL, AND TO POSITION ALL OF THE INDUSTRY FOR RECOVERY AND RESURGENCE.
Despite the disappointment felt among the entire staff, the InfoComm and AVIXA team have already secured plans for the 2021 show and are encouraging people to mark their calendars. InfoComm 2021 is scheduled for June 12-18 (exhibits from June 16-18) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
