NAB 2020 update
The NAB Show has announced its cancellation amid Coronavirus fears
Yesterday the news broke that this year’s NAB show in Las Vegas was to be cancelled due to the unprecedented public health emergency.
For a while, it seemed uncertain whether the steps towards cancellation were to be taken, with many big names hesitating to publicise their NAB information until NAB themselves had made a decision on the developing situation.
In an official statement on the show’s website, president and CEO Gordon H. Smith commented: “In the interest of addressing the health and safety concerns of our stakeholders and in consultation with partners throughout the media and entertainment industry, we have decided not to move forward with NAB Show in April. We are currently considering a number of potential alternatives to create the best possible experience for our community.
“This was not an easy decision. Fortunately, we did not have to make this decision alone, and are grateful to our NAB Show community for engaging with us as we grappled with the rapidly-evolving situation. This Show is as much yours as it is ours, and it is important to us that we move forward together.
“For nearly 100 years, NAB Show has provided superior value and the best possible experience for exhibitors and attendees. We knew that if we could not deliver on those expectations, we would not move forward. More importantly, keeping the community safe and healthy is NAB’s highest priority; therefore, we are deferring to the developing consensus from public health authorities on the challenges posed by coronavirus.”
Some of the big NAB players have commented on the cancellation. A Twitter statement from Arri stated that its priority is the health and safety of its employees, customers and community. As a solution, Arri has confirmed that it is aiming to bring the Arri NAB experience online.
The show’s cancellation is a big setback for all involved, as it has global significance for international businesses, who are losing this rare opportunity to showcase their new and existing products to a slew of visitors from media and tech industries. It is also disappointing for those who come to the show to learn about the industry and participate in the enriching seminars and conferences taught by industry leaders and innovators.
The final part of Gordon H. Smith’s statement emphasised NAB’s intention to create an online solution to the show’s cancellation: “We are still weighing the best potential path forward, and we ask you for your patience as we do so. We are committed to exploring all possible alternatives so that we can provide a productive setting where the industry can engage with the latest technology, hear from industry thought leaders and make the game-changing connections that drive our industry forward.”
“We are grateful for each and every member of our Show community. It is your passion for the industry that makes NAB Show a success year after year, and it is that same passion that will drive us into the future as we look ahead to new possibilities later this year and beyond.”
For more information, click here to visit the NAB website.
