The world's biggest tech show, which has seen a number of in-person cancellation in recent weeks, is cutting one day from its schedule.
The Consumer Technology Association said on New Year's Eve that it would only run in Las Vegas from January 5 to January 7. The move isn't entirely a surprise given the number of tech companies and media outlets that have stopped going in-person in recent weeks.
It is a reflection of the intense clash between business and health that is playing out in society right now.
The Consumer Technology Association seems to be making a statement that the show must go on despite the raging spread of the virus. A new record was set on Tuesday when the U.S. reported a seven-day average of 265,427 new covid-19 cases. On Thursday it broke the record again with an average of 355,990 infections.
The Consumer Technology Association didn't mention the record number of cases reported in the U.S. this week, despite listing its covid-19 safety protocols. More than 2,200 people have confirmed that they will attend the event in person.
Over the last two weeks, the association stated that more than 100 companies had signed up to exhibit. In-person cancellation accounted for 10% of the show floor.
The president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association said in a statement that the Consumer Technology Association is steadfast in its pledge to be the gathering place to showcase products and discuss ideas that will ultimately make our lives better. The show is shortening to three days and we have put in place comprehensive health measures for the safety of all attendees and participants.
There are still many small and medium-sized companies at the event. In addition, large companies like Panasonic, Sony, and SAMSUNG are still in attendance.
I have nothing against the event and I am happy that organizers have made safety and health a part of the discussion. I am looking forward to seeing all the new TVs that will come out in a few days. Despite the severity of the current health situation, there are still some entities that claim that things can go on in the same way they have in the past.
We all know that is not true.
