Another major trade expo has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. CP+ 2020 was set to take place from 27 February to 01 March in Yokohama, Japan, but has been officially cancelled by the show organizers.
The news comes 24 hours after the announcement that MWC 2020 – Mobile World Congress, a critical trade event for the mobile industry that welcomes some 100,000 guests each year – has also been cancelled.
Unlike MWC, however, whose cancellation was in large part due to the large contingent of Chinese exhibitors (given the dominant players in the smartphone sector), CP+ 2020 is dealing with a very unique problem. While Japan has relatively few instances of coronavirus, there is currently an infected cruise ship full of 2,500 passengers quarantined in Yokohama harbor – which is exactly where the CP+ venue is situated.
"Given there is no effective treatment or containment measures of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we have chosen to cancel CP+ 2020 because we put top priority in the on the health and safety of visitors and exhibitors," said CIPA in an official statement.
"CP+ is a trade show for consumers. The main feature of this show is that visitors can actually handle the newest camera and related equipment and get a feel for how they operate. The event attracts around 70,000 unspecified visitors and therefore we cannot completely eliminate the risk of infection. The CIPA believes it is important to avoid such risk at all cost. While it is truly regrettable, we have decided to cancel this year’s show. We ask for your cooperation and understanding concerning this matter."
So where does this leave the industry's next major photographic trade show – The Photography Show 2020, taking place in Birmingham from 14-17 March? According to Jonny Sullens, Events Director for the UK event, the show is still on track to go full speed ahead – unlike MWC and CP+, which featured a significant base of exhibitors from the affected regions, The Photography Show is a local market show with limited direct attendance from Chinese manufacturers.
"Whilst the UK risk level of coronavirus has been increased from low to moderate, the risk to individuals has not changed at this stage and remains low. Events at the NEC are therefore going ahead as planned, and it is business as usual for The Photography Show & The Video Show. We continue to follow advice from the World Health Organization and Public Health England, as well as that of local government and if anything changes then we will respond accordingly."
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