Earlier this morning, Google announced to attendees that it has cancelled its annual Google I/O developer conference. Those who’d won the ticket lottery and bought tickets were advised by email earlier that the conference had been cancelled and refunds would be offered.
In the email sent to attendees, Google said:
Due to concerns around the coronavirus (COVID-19), and in accordance with health guidance from the CDC, WHO and other health authorities, we have decided to cancel the physical Google I/O event at Shoreline Amphitheatre.
All guests who have purchased tickets to I/O 2020 will receive a full refund by March 13, 2020. […]
Guests who have registered for I/O 2020 will not need to enter next year’s drawing and will automatically be granted the option of purchasing a I/O 2021 ticket.
A screenshot of the email sent to attendees was shared on Twitter by David Berdik, below:
It seems likely that Google will follow the emerging trend of other companies that have cancelled conferences and events around COVID-19 fears, and stream a series of online events instead.
Noting the statement, though, it’s possible that these won’t necessarily occur the same time as the original conference was planned given those constraints are no longer relevant.
Ausdroid has received the added statement from Google:
“Due to concerns around the coronavirus (COVID-19), and in accordance with health guidance from the CDC, WHO, and other health authorities, we have decided to cancel the physical Google I/O event at Shoreline Amphitheatre.
Over the coming weeks, we will explore other ways to evolve Google I/O to best connect with and continue to build our developer community. We’ll continue to update the Google I/O website.” — a Google spokesperson
Google’s decision comes on the back of concerns for the health and safety of attendees, the staff and the wider community. Acknowledging that travel plans may be disrupted, the decision was taken for the best of intentions with the health of attendees, its staff and conference staff in mind.
In a positive move, the company confirmed that those who would’ve attended this year will get priority access to next year’s event.
Once Google’s plans become clear about what it will announce, when and in what format, we’ll share that information with you.
Cancelling due to what’s happening globally, is definitely not unexpected. Giving priority for next year, to folks who lost out due to this cancellation is a smart move. Hope the US accommodation industry plays fair with the folks who are impacted by the cancellation.