US-based trade show USITT, which focuses on performing arts design and technology, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. The event was was due to celebrate its 60th anniversary edition of the show, on April 1-4.
This comes as no surprise after other major trade shows have cancelled, such as NAB 2020, as well as Prolight + Sound 2020 being postponed with leading exhibitors pulling out. AES Vienna has also hinted at its cancellation.
The show’s organisers said: “The USITT board of directors, in a unanimous vote, has cancelled the 2020 Annual Conference & Stage Expo scheduled for April 1-4 in Houston.”
USITT executive director David Grindle said in a video message posted on the show’s website, which you can view below: “I have to let you know that we have cancelled this year’s annual Conference and Stage Expo. This is a very, very difficult decision. At USITT we talk a lot about safety and health and making sure our workplaces are safe spaces. Today, we had to make the hard decision to ensure the safety and health of our members.
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“This is unprecedented in the 60-year history of USITT, but our board of directors felt that they would be doing a disservice to our members and our industry by moving ahead in this time of global uncertainty. If you’ve already registered for the conference or are an exhibitor, you’ll be receiving emails over the next several days with more information. On behalf of the board of directors, thank you for standing with USITT in this time. As we move forward, know that our members’ interest is always what guides us. Thank you.”
