In a time where most face-to-face meetings aren’t an option, many event professionals are turning to virtual events. But as we all know, it can be difficult to keep a remote audience engaged. 

In response to the growing health crisis in the U.S., large convention centers and hotel/casino properties across the country are temporarily suspending hosting events in an effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.

As of March 15, the CDC is recommending that for the next eight weeks (until at least May 4), all events consisting of 50 people or more be postponed or canceled.

The overall largest trade show in the United States and North America’s largest construction trade show, the triennial CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE, set a new square footage record March 10-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center amid COVID-19 concerns and travel restrictions.

The NBA has suspended its season and the NCAA Tournament will be played without fans. Organizations around the country are reacting to the news of COVID-19 by encouraging “social distancing,” and federal, state and local governments are imposing bans on travel and large gatherings—all in the name of halting the spread of the virus. What that means for event professionals is that in many locations, canceling or postponing an event is not a choice, but a requirement.

With trade shows and conferences of all sizes being canceled or postponed due to travel restrictions and COVID-19 health concerns, event planners are scrambling to take their live events digital to meet the needs of their audiences.

Another major travel industry conference has been canceled due to the global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). Previously scheduled for May 12-14 in Germany, IMEX Frankfurt will not go on as planned, according to show officials. IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom and CEO Carina Bauer issued the following letter this morning detailing the cancellation:

The news cycle the past few weeks has been nearly non-stop about coronavirus (COVID-19), and it seems like the virus is the only thing people are talking about right now. The global outbreak of this virus, and the uncertainty behind how it’s being spread, is disruptive and frightening, and can lead to feelings that the world is less secure or somehow out of control.

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, released global numbers that reflect due to the spread of COVID-19 the impact that trade show postponements and cancellations are having for both the exhibiting companies, as well as for the trade show industry around the world. 

“Globally, the fact that more than 500 trade shows have not taken place in recent weeks is creating an escalating ripple effect for whole industries,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director/CEO.