NAB and IBC release coronavirus updates after MWC cancellation

NAB and IBC have released statements on the growing coronavirus situation.

With the Mobile World Congress being cancelled this week, attention has turned to the next events on the calendar. As it stands, the next big trade show, NAB, is going ahead. However, the organisers are monitoring the situation.  

The 2020 NAB Show is scheduled to go ahead in Las Vegas, 18-22 April. However, there are worries over international attendees helping to spread the Coronavirus.  

Senior vice-president of communications for NAB, Ann Marie Cummings, commented: “The health and safety of our attendees and exhibitors is our first priority.” To that end, the association is developing policies and procedures “to combat potential threats and ensure a safe and productive environment for all.” 

Cummings is “confident the NAB Show will convene as the world’s largest and most comprehensive media and technology convention.” 

Meanwhile, IBC issued a statement saying it ”would like to reassure the industry that it continues to monitor closely the outbreak of the virus and its impact.”

The statement went on to say there have been no cancellations from any exhibitors or speakers for IBC2020, and there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Netherlands.

IBC chief executive Michael Crimp said: “We remain confident IBC2020 will take place as planned in September. As you would expect, we are closely following the advice from the World Health Organisation and we are in regular contact with our colleagues at the City of Amsterdam.

“We will provide updates to exhibitors and attendees if the situation changes. Our thoughts and sympathies are with those affected by the virus.”