CP+ 2020, one of the largest photography trade shows in the world has been canceled due to fears over the Coronavirus.
The Diamond Princess cruise ship which is currently docked in Yokohama where CP+ was to be held has so far had 174 passengers diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus.
This latest cancellation comes on the heels of MWC Barcelona being canceled. With due regard to the safe and healthy environment in Barcelona and the host country today, the GSMA canceled MWC Barcelona 2020 because the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, make it impossible for the GSMA to hold the event.
Here is the official statement issued by CP+:
Given there is no effective treatment or containment measures to deal with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), organizers of CP+2020 have decided to cancel the event due to overall concerns, mainly the risk to the health and the safety of visitors and exhibitors. The event was originally scheduled to be held over 4 days at PACIFICO Yokohama from February 27.
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 to 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.
Manufacturers who were going to make major product announcements at CP+ and showcase their new cameras and lenses for the first time will now have to come up with alternative plans.
This will be a major inconvenience for people who have already booked trips to Japan to attend or cover the event, but the Coronavirus is a serious problem, and the well being and safety of people attending the event is far more important than any trade show.
