CEDIA Expo 2020, originally scheduled for September 8-12, 2020 in Denver, CO, has been cancelled by Emerald Expositions, due to developments related to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. Plans are underway for a virtual convention to replace it in September.
In a statement, Brian Pagel, executive vice president, Emerald Expositions, noted that the annual convention could not be held “due to developments regarding COVID-19 including, but not limited to, the current status of the Colorado Convention Center as a medical care facility for non-emergency cases related to COVID-19; the latest federal measures, including guidelines on the phased reopening of the U.S. economy; the declaration by the WHO of COVID-19 as a pandemic; the number of confirmed cases worldwide and domestically; current quarantines, containment areas, stay at home orders, and restrictions on congregating and large gatherings imposed by states and other government and public health authorities; and the various company-imposed travel restrictions on employees affecting attendees and participating companies.”
Pagel added that, “Maintaining the health and safety of each of our customers, partners, and employees remains paramount to us. The Colorado Convention Center and Visit Denver have been gracious hosts to CEDIA Expo and have always embraced our community. We wish them the best as they continue to service the local Denver and Colorado state population during this difficult time.”
Now, the planning begins for a virtual event to supplement the loss on an in-person event,
“While we are deeply disappointed that we will not be coming together in person this September, we are committed to keeping you connected and are already hard at work developing a virtual experience for our connected tech community,” Pagel said.
The CEDIA Expo virtual experience will launch in September, with session panels surrounding “hot topics,” keynotes, product discovery, networking, and an interactive expo hall. The next in-person CEDIA Expo will take place September 1-3, 2021 in Indianapolis, IN – home to the CEDIA Association.
