LOS ANGELES — In response to escalating concerns over coronavirus and new travel restrictions, XBIZ has announced plans to go virtual for its 2020 events, including XBIZ Miami and XBIZ Berlin, the XBIZ Cam Awards and the XBIZ Europa Awards.
The new virtual show dates are as follows:
- XBIZ Miami, presented by Chaturbate: August 24 to 27
- XBIZ Cam Awards, presented by MyFreeCams: August 27
- XBIZ Berlin: October 19 to 22
- XBIZ Europa Awards: October 22
“After careful consideration of various indicators regarding the development of the worldwide COVID-19 health crisis, we have determined the most responsible decision is to pivot to a virtual format for our 2020 events, with the goal of delivering the signature show experience our community is accustomed to,” said XBIZ Events Director Moe Helmy.
In April, the Miami trade show and its capstone event, the Cam Awards, were postponed from their regular date pattern in late May; the Berlin trade show and the Europa Awards had been scheduled for early September.
Event organizers have closely watched day-to-day developments in the trajectory of the pandemic and various official responses, including continued “stay-at-home” directives from state authorities and the Centers for Disease Control.
With the recent reports of COVID-19 cases spiking up, it became clear organizers would be unable to safely host the events. “We have maintained direct contact with city authorities in Miami and Berlin, with the venues and with our trusted event partners,” Helmy stated. “The safety of everyone is of the utmost importance.”
One of the main advantages of going virtual is that it allows the events to reach a much bigger, wider audience and draw industry members who do not normally attend trade shows. And with plans to integrate XBIZ.net, with nearly 20,000 registered industry members, the virtual events offer an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the worldwide community.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, XBIZ has successfully hosted several virtual events, including “Town Hall”-style online gatherings, which have been widely praised by participants, spectators and the community at large.
“With over 15 years of experience hosting events, we welcome this challenge of delivering our highest standards of quality, commitment and passion for this unprecedented era of virtual communication,” Helmy added.
Watch XBIZ.com for upcoming event announcements.
