Avid, Adobe and Blackmagic Design have also already pulled out of the show.
The National Association of Broadcasters convention, NAB Show 2021, slated for October 9-13 in Las Vegas, lost several big exhibitors this week as companies grapple with the challenge of in-person gatherings owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Addressing concerns over the Delta variant earlier this month, NAB announced that proof of a full Covid-19 vaccination will be required by attendees, exhibitors and staff, while additional guidelines would be made considering current CDC recommendations.
Carter Hoskins, Panasonic’s Director, Professional Imaging, has released the following statement: “It’s hard to believe that it’s already September, which means NAB 2021 is right around the corner. As you prepare for the event, I want to provide an update on Panasonic’s plans for the show. After careful consideration of several key factors impacting the show, including the current conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have made the decision not to attend the event in Las Vegas.
“In place of participating in-person, we’re planning to meet and connect with our valued customers via our digital platforms where we look forward to sharing our exciting announcements. We are confident a digital experience will be effective, similar to events we’ve hosted over the last 18 months. We will be in touch with updates on event specifics over the next few weeks, but please reach out directly with any immediate questions.
“We continue to appreciate your business and look forward to connecting outside of the show!”
Theresa Alesso, Pro Division President, Sony Electronics, added: “Sony Electronics has been closely monitoring the evolving situation of the Covid-19 Delta variant. With October on the horizon, we’ve considered the unprecedented circumstances and made the difficult decision that we will not be participating in person at next month’s NAB Show or InfoComm. While these events are an important forum to reach our customers and introduce new products, this is a choice we made to ensure we’re putting our employees’ and our partners’ health and well-being first. As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic and businesses adopt digital alternatives and online opportunities to prevent the spread of the virus, Sony Electronics will continue to communicate and engage with our customers and partners in interactive, accessible ways that allow us to safely deliver exciting product news and updates to a wide online audience. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and look forward to participating at industry events in-person at some point in the future. Additionally, we’re excited to announce that Sony will be hosting a press conference at NAB Show, in conjunction with the NAB, prior to the show’s opening.”
Ross Video has also announced the company’s withdrawal from NAB Show 2021 in Las Vegas, scheduled to take place next month. “As time has passed since the revised dates for 2021 were announced, it has become increasingly apparent that the challenges posed by the fluctuating public health situation in Nevada (and elsewhere around the world), travel restrictions into the USA, logistics and general uncertainty among exhibitors and potential attendees are, regrettably, too great to enable Ross to participate,” the company said.
A statement from Canon noted: “Due to the ongoing health and safety concerns presented by the Covid-19 Delta variant, Canon has made a carefully considered decision to withdraw from this year’s NAB and InfoComm Shows. The communities that NAB and InfoComm represent are something that we will greatly miss this year, but the health and safety of our team members, customers, and potential show guests is our number one priority. Canon will continue our plans to communicate exciting new products and innovations in virtual and remote settings, and our teams all over the world will share our news and updates in the coming weeks. We are continuously monitoring the situation and we look forward to attending events in the future.”
Avid, Adobe and Blackmagic Design are among the key postproduction exhibitors that had already pulled out of the show.
