PetaPixel has learned that the CP+ 2020 expo in Japan—one of the largest photo industry trade shows in the world—has been cancelled due to fears over the recent coronavirus outbreak. An official announcement from the show is expected shortly. (UPDATE: Confirmed)
We were tipped off to the news earlier this evening when social media consultant and friend of the site Simon Pollock tweeted, “Very sorry to hear that CP+ has been cancelled. Damn you #CoronaVirus Damn you…”
Very sorry to hear that CP+ has been cancelled. Damn you #CoronoVirus Damn you…
— Simon Pollock (@gtvone) February 14, 2020
We followed up with Pollock, who confirmed the news for us, though he asked that the original source be kept confidential.
As of this writing, CP+ hasn’t made the news official, though we’re keeping a close eye on their newsroom and Twitter account, and one is expected very shortly. The most recent Coronavirus update from the show was posted on February 5th, when the expo revealed that they were concerned, but moving forward.
“The CP + Secretariat strives to collect the latest information and is considering specific countermeasures. Also, strengthening coordination with the venues Pacifico Yokohama, Osanbashi Hall and related administrative organizations, and we will strive to respond appropriately,” reads the roughly translated statement. “At this stage, we are preparing for the event while paying close attention to the situation, and CP+ 2020 will be held.”
The statement, which you can find here, said that the show’s organizers were planning to put hand sanitizing stations at every entrance and exit, and “strongly recommends” that attendees wear a mask. It ends with a link to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, which states that Coronavirus “is not currently recognized as an epidemic in Japan.”
Unfortunately, the news that CP+ 2020 will not be happening is not surprising. With Japan’s proximity to the disease epicenter in China, and the precedent set by the cancellation of MWC 2020 just yesterday, many felt that it was only a matter of time before organizers pulled the plug on CP+ 2020.
We will update this article as soon as there is official confirmation that the show will not go on.
UPDATE: CP+ confirmed the news moments ago in a tweet that reads (Google Translated):
Notice of the cancellation of CP + 2020
As the prospects for effective remedies and countermeasures against the new coronavirus are uncertain, the health and safety aspects of the visitors are considered first, and as a result, the event will be held in Pacifico Yokohama for four days from February 27. We have decided to cancel the planned CP + 2020.
＜ＣＰ＋２０２０開催中止のお知らせ＞
新型コロナウイルスへの有効治療薬や対処法の先行きが見通せない中、来場される皆様の健康や安全面などを第一に考えました結果、2月27日から4日間、パシフィコ横浜で開催を予定していたＣＰ＋２０２０の中止を決定いたしました。https://t.co/64VfAXnep5— CP＋2020事務局 (@cpplusjp) February 14, 2020
The tweet is linked to an official cancellation announcement, which you can read here. The rough translation reads:
Decision to cancel CP + (CP +) 2020
The Camera and Imaging Products Association of Japan (CIPA: Masaya Maeda)
Visitors and exhibitors amid uncertain prospects for effective treatments and remedies for coronavirus. As a result of putting the health and safety aspects of stakeholders first, we have decided to cancel CP + 2020, which was scheduled to be held in Ko-Yokohama.
With CP +, visitors can actually pick up the latest camera and related equipment and feel the operation. The biggest feature of this show is that it is a consumer-friendly show. At this time, it is not possible to eliminate the risk of infecting about 70,000 unspecified number of visitors.
The JRA considers it important to avoid such risks, and unfortunately, we have decided to cancel the event.
Thank you for your understanding.
Image credits: Header image created using photo by Morio, CC BY-SA 3.0