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 following is an open letter dated March 5, 2020, from the leadership of the American Society of Association Executives; Destinations International; Events Industry Council; International Association of Exhibitions and Events; International Association of Venue Managers; Meeting Professionals International; PCMA; and the U.S. Travel Association.

In the wake of sudden, severe storms that caused a series of devastating tornadoes to slam through Nashville and greater middle Tennessee in the early hours of March 3, the City of Nashville is starting to pick up the pieces. According to news reports, the storm claimed more than two dozen lives and caused extensive destruction to homes and businesses, with the East Nashville, Germantown and Donelson neighborhoods hit particularly hard.

At Convening Leaders in January, PCMA announced a strategic partnership with CEMA. As one of their first joint projects, the two associations have planned a series of interactive webinars to educate the industry on the novel coronavirus, what to expect, how to prepare, and how to react.

While trade shows throughout the globe are continuing to cancel due to fears of COVID-19, some major events in the U.S. and Germany are forging ahead. They’re leveraging strong and transparent communication plans to reassure concerned attendees and exhibitors that their health and safety remain a top priority. 

The COVID-19 coronavirus has now caused more than 3,000 deaths worldwide from a confirmed 89,253 cases. As this outbreak continues to lead to mass cancellations and postponements of business events, use these resources to stay informed on the latest news.

IAEE

Access the organization’s official statement as well as evolving resources on understanding novel coronavirus’ impact on the industry.

Updated Mar. 23, 2020: BOCOM has been postponed til Sept. 3, 2020 

With growing demand for more personalized, interactive event experiences, organizations around the world have been working to reinvent meetings. BOCOM — the self-described first borderless communication experience worldwide — is a step towards what could become the conference of the future.

BOCOM officials say the April 23 multisite event will enable participants to experience future digital meeting and work technologies and their impact on daily business life.

Ripples from the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus continue to be felt by the meetings industry. Today, Reed Travel Exhibitions announced that it has postponed the inaugural IBTM Asia Pacific. Originally scheduled for Apr. 6-8, the event has been rescheduled to Apr. 13-14, 2021. The location (Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands) will remain the same.

Lisa Sommer Devlin, owner of Phoenix-based Devlin Law Firm which specializes in hospitality law, has received about a dozen phone calls from hotels in the past week. They’re reaching out to her as a result of groups wanting to cancel events without penalties, due to the coronavirus. 

The Expo Group is on a roll with acquisitions. Within the past two weeks, the exhibitions and events provider has announced the purchase of Orlando-based Allied Convention Service, commonly known as Brede/Allied, and Educe, a firm committed to adding value to the events and engagement strategy for higher education institutions.