In response to the global coronavirus outbreak, IAAPA Expo Asia, which was set for Macao, China in June, has been postponed.
The Expo, one of IAAPA's big three events for the year alongside its European and Orlando events, was scheduled to take place 8-11 June 2020 but will now take place around the same time in 2021, with the event also set for June.
"The health and safety of our members and our team is always our top priority,” said Hal McEvoy, president and CEO, IAAPA. "After extensive evaluation and input from members, the IAAPA Board of Directors has made the decision to postpone IAAPA Expo Asia 2020. Since early January, we have been closely monitoring the rapidly evolving coronavirus outbreak and have been in constant contact with our global team and members. While this is not an easy decision, we are confident it is the right one, and in the best interest of our exhibitors and attendees. The decision to postpone the Expo until 2021 is based on information we have at this time including global travel concerns and restrictions, the current health situation, and continued unknowns regarding the coronavirus."
China – the source of the outbreak – is the worst-hit country worldwide, with more than 80,000 confirmed cases and 3,162 deaths. Macao has had 10 confirmed cases, with all those infected recovered. Nearby Hong Kong has 126 cases with three deaths.
"IAAPA is committed to supporting the global attractions industry, and we will continue to assist members impacted by the coronavirus," said McEvoy. "We're working with the many IAAPA Expo Asia exhibitors who have been patient with us as we studied all possible options this year. We're grateful for their patience and understanding."