AVIXA finally confirmed officially the inevitable: InfoComm2020 is officially cancelled and the show returns in 2021 in Orlando, FL. While everyone was looking forward to attend the show in Las Vegas, in particular those that attend the ALMA expo every year, and were planning to attend the now-rebranded Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International (ALTI) Expo, scheduled to happen June 14-15, the announcement is just a reminder of a long assumed disapointment.
The strange part in the AVIXA and the show management of InfoComm anouncement is the statement that they "have chosen to cancel" - as if the decision was theirs to take. Considering the global pandemic situation and the current evolution in the United States, this is at least two weeks too late. Maybe more, considering the way other show promoters were quick to react and confirm cancellations - effectively showing they were truly concerned "for the health and safety" of "exhibitors, attendees, partners and staff."
"This was not a decision we made lightly but with careful consideration and as advised by public health authorities," says Dave Labuskes, AVIXA CEO. "Thankfully, we did not have to make it alone and are grateful to our InfoComm community, exhibitor advisory committee, education committees, and so many others who supported our desire to not jeopardize the livelihoods and long-term gains of the industry. InfoComm is not just an AVIXA trade show, it is the industry's show and it is important that we move forward to the benefit of the entire community."
"InfoComm is the largest professional audiovisual trade show in North America and has always provided a one-of-a-kind experience for both its exhibitors and attendees. We knew that in today's environment we could not fully deliver on those experiences and consequently could not move forward. More importantly, keeping the community safe and healthy is our highest priority; therefore, we are following the guidelines of public health authorities during the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19," Labuskes continued.
The InfoComm cancelation announcement also states, "we were forced to make the painful choice to take away this gathering opportunity and return time, money and effort to our community, to be spent on sustaining each other through this trial, and to position all of the industry for recovery and resurgence."
Fially, the InfoComm show management says they are evaluating "all possible alternatives that will bring to light the engaging discussions, industry thought-leadership, product information and best-in-class education that our attendees have come to expect from the show." And that they are "currently considering new options to bring to life the engaging and educational experiences of the show in a number of different ways."
InfoComm 2021 is scheduled for June 12-18, 2021 (Saturday-Friday) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. InfoComm 2020 exhibitors wishing to secure exhibit space for InfoComm 2021 will be invited to the "virtual advance booking process," which will be held in May (exact date is TBD). Priority points for planned participations at InfoComm 2020 will be awarded. InfoComm 2020 contracted and fully paid exhibitors who transfer their payments to InfoComm 2021 will receive extra priority points.
Until then, for additional information regarding refunds, rebooking, travel and more, there is a FAQ page on the InfoComm website: www.infocommshow.org/faqs
www.avixa.org
