The trickle of cancellations to exhibit at NAB 2021 continues

Adobe, Avid, Blackmagic Design, Canon, Panasonic, Ross Video, Sony… the drip of withdrawals to participate in the next edition of NAB 2021 increases day by day as the announced date for the celebration of the convention in Las Vegas announced for the October 9-13.

Some of the largest exhibitors at NAB have already announced their intention to withdraw due to the challenges posed by the fluctuating public health situation in the State of Nevada, as well as in many other countries and regions around the world. In addition, travel restrictions to the US, problems arising from logistics and general uncertainty among exhibitors and visitors are complicating the celebration of a NAB, which is traditionally attended by more than 90,000 professionals, with a certain “normality”.

After the cancellation of NAB 2020, which was replaced by a timid online event, the 2021 edition was planned for April (its usual month of celebration), but due to the situation it was finally postponed to October.

The organization insists that they are taking all anti-COVID-19 measures to ensure visitors and exhibitors a visit with the maximum guarantees, such as a vaccination certificate for those who circulate through the Las Vegas Convention Center during those days.

Gordon Smith, President of NAB has acknowledged that many of our partners, exhibitors and attendees have had to make very difficult decisions about whether to participate in this year's show, especially our international partners: “We respect their decisions as valued partners and we look forward to seeing them again, if not next month, then at the 2022 NAB Show in April.”

For its part, Chris Brown, Executive VP of Global Events at NAB, highlighted that "we will ask all attendees and participants to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination. We believe this is a positive step to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and will provide more details on the implementation, as well as other safety measures that are being considered."

Finally, there are many companies that question the point of holding an event surrounded by so much uncertainty six months before the 2022 edition is held, scheduled for April 23-27, and just two months before the other major international event in the sector, IBC 2021 at the RAI Amsterdam from December 3 to 6.