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Google cans I/O 2020 conference outright
Google has decided to axe its annual I/O developer conference entirely, taking a virtual version off the table.
However, citing health and safety concerns for developers, employees and local communities, in addition to “shelter in place” orders by the local Bay Area counties, the decision was made to not run the conference in any capacity.
“Right now, the most important thing all of us can do is focus our attention on helping people with the new challenges we all face,” a statement from Google noted.
“Please know that we remain committed to finding other ways to share platform updates with you through our developer blogs and community forums.”
Guests who registered for I/O 2020 will receive an invitation to the conference in 2021.
The I/O 2020 conference was originally going to be held on 12-14 May.
Google cancels virtual Next ’20: Digital Connect event
Google has cancelled its Google Cloud Next ’20: Digital Connect event, which was to take the place of its physical ‘Next 20 event.
Alison Wagonfeld, chief marketing officer at Google Cloud, said that while the Next ’20: Digital Connect event will go ahead, firm dates have not yet been set.
“Please know that we are fully committed to bringing Google Cloud Next ‘20: Digital Connect to life, but will hold the event when the timing is right. We will share the new date when we have a better sense of the evolving situation,” Wagonfeld said.
The virtual event was originally scheduled for 6-8 April 2020, the same dates as the physical version.
Westcon-Comstor takes Imagine 2020 event virtual
As tech events are cancelled worldwide and locally, distributor Westcon-Comstor NZ is making its annual Imagine showcase virtual.
"As a result, we have spent some time assessing Imagine, and the safety of those attending, accounting for the policies that have been developed to help limit the spread of the virus, from both our company and those of our partners," the company said today.
"After thorough consideration and discussion, we have decided to change Imagine 2020 from a physical event, to a virtual event, fully embracing the technology we advocate."
The new event will be delivered via Cisco Webex Events on the same day as the original event – 14 May. Content will now be delivered as webinars as part of a one-day virtual event.
Apple to hold WWDC 2020 online due to coronavirus pandemic
Apple isn’t cancelling its annual Worldwide Developers Conference this year, but it is changing the format.
According to a statement, Apple will hold WWDC 2020 entirely online in order to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic. In the statement, Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller referred to the pandemic as the “current health situation.”
Schiller also said Apple aimed to create a “new WWDC 2020 format that delivers a full program with an online keynote and sessions, offering a great learning experience for our entire developer community, all around the world.”
IT Professionals NZ postpones ITx conference
IT Professionals NZ chief executive Paul Matthews announced in a blog-post that IT Professionals NZ's keynote ITx 2020 conference had been delayed by six to eight months to mid 2021 in light of the spreading Covid-19 coronavirus,
"This decision wasn't made lightly, however the mix of health and safety concerns, combined with general anxiety in relation to attendance at larger conferences and the decision taken by many businesses and individuals to not travel or attend large events has meant we believe this is the only prudent option," Matthews wrote.
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