As vaccination programs continued across much of the world, the pandemic seemed to finally be getting under control at the start of the summer. Unfortunately, the delta variant has presented a renewed threat and has led cities across the country, from LA to DC, to reinstate mask mandates.
This has also presented a challenge for eventprofs, who are monitoring the situation in real-time to make the best decisions they can to keep their attendees and staff safe. For some events, that has meant cancelling for a second time.
The New York Auto Show, which was supposed to take place at the Javits Center later this month, has been cancelled “due to the growing incidences of the Covid-19 Delta variant and the increased measures announced recently by State and local officials to stop its spread,” according to a statement from Mark Schienberg, President of the show.
“Over the past few weeks, and especially within the last few days, circumstances have changed making it more difficult to create an event at the high standard that we and our clients expect,” he said. NYC recently became the first US city to implement a vaccine requirement for indoor, dining, shows, and other activities, which may have played a role in the event’s decision to cancel. As of now, the show plans to return to its regular spring schedule in April of 2022.
Another recent event casualty of the delta variant was the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo, which cancelled its event that was scheduled to begin in Orlando on August 7th. A statement from the AORN Board of Directors cited the spike in cases in Florida as their reason for cancelling. They will instead be switching gears to focus exclusively on their virtual conference.
The latest coronavirus wave precipitated by the delta variant is affecting events all over the world, including China — according to The Hill, Beijing will be cancelling large exhibitions and events for the rest of the month, including the World 5G Conference.
It’s important to note that most major upcoming events have not cancelled and are adapting to the latest regulations by updating health and safety protocols, such as requiring everyone to wear masks indoors. However, this renewed uncertainty underscores the importance of continuing to invest in digital formats to prepare for the unexpected and ensure that the show can go on.