The 2020 edition of the event known as CinenaCon has been canceled due to the continued spread of the lethal coronavirus.
The annual gathering of theater owners and Hollywood studios was scheduled to run from March 30 to April 2, 2020, at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas and is hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners.
NATO President John Fithian and CinemaCon organizer Mitch Neuhauser revealed in a joint statement on Wednesday that the event has been canceled.
“It is with great regret we are announcing the cancellation of CinemaCon 2020. Each spring, motion picture exhibitors, distributors and industry partners from around the world meet in Las Vegas to share information and celebrate the moviegoing experience. This year, due to the travel ban from the European Union, the unique travel difficulties in many other areas of the world and other challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, a significant portion of the worldwide motion picture community is not able to attend CinemaCon.”
The decision to cancel the gathering came hours after President Donald Trump announced a travel ban from Europe to the US. At least 20% of CinemaCon delegates come from other countries.
The statement on the development further reads:
“While local outbreaks vary widely in severity, the global circumstances make it impossible for us to mount the show that our attendees have come to expect. After consultation with our attendees, trade show exhibitors, sponsors, and studio presenters, NATO has decided therefore to cancel CinemaCon 2020. We look forward to continuing the 10-year tradition of presenting the largest movie theater convention in the world and joining our attendees in future celebrations of the moviegoing experience.”
Coronavirus (also called COVID-19) has caused more than 4,600 casualties worldwide and affected over 100,000 people in different countries.
