CinemaCon 2020 is the latest convention to be canceled due to concerns over the Coronavirus.
The National Association of Theatre Owners has decided to cancel its annual CinemaCon convention in the wake of President Trump cancelling all U.S flights to and fro to Europe. CinemaCon is best known for allowing motion picture exhibitors and industry personnel the opportunity to make deals, spark debates about the future of cinema, and above all else: show off the latest slate of films.
Originally scheduled to begin on March 30th, the annual Las Vegas-based convention joins the likes of SXSW, Coachella, Wondercon, and E3 by calling it quits this season. NATO, the organization behind CinemaCon issued a statement last night via Variety stating how canceling the convention in wake of the Coronavirus is the right move.
“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. 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.”
At CinemaCon, footage from the latest films from studios like Universal, Paramount, and Warner Bros. were set to debut. Unfortunately, with CinemaCon being canceled, we can expect a significant delay in studios releasing footage from or teasing future projects.
The Coronavirus has been the leading cause in Hollywood’s latest malady: delays and cancelations. Just today, A Quiet Place II and Fast and Furious 9 were delayed. Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has also delayed its production in Prague over concerns. With the Coronavirus a large concern all over the world, it’s unknown as to when Hollywood will return to a state of normalcy. All major conventions in the coming months have been canceled or delayed, except for Comic Con.
Stay tuned to Heroic Hollywood for the latest news on CinemaCon and the Coronavirus’ impact on fan events as it develops!
Source: Variety
