BREAKING NEWS
Strata-gee broke the news to the industry on Tuesday that Savant had announced they were pulling out of CEDIA Expo 2021 due to the surging COVID Delta variant putting employees and attendees at risk. Today, Snap One, another major CEDIA Expo exhibitor has made the same decision, pulling out of the event currently scheduled to launch in just about three weeks from now.
See more on this new announcement from Snap One…
Shocking the industry earlier this week, Savant was the first CEDIA Expo exhibitor to announce they would exit the 2021 event, scheduled to run from September 1 – September 3, 2021 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Savant cited safety and health concerns as a result of the surging COVID Delta variant.
Now Snap One, an even bigger exhibitor at the event, has decided that they too will pull out of CEDIA Expo 2021. So far, there has been no comment from the owner and promoter of the event, Emerald Expositions, on these developments.
From Snap One’s announcement:
“Like many in the industry, Snap One has been eager to attend the upcoming CEDIA Expo to connect with our business and industry Partners and show our latest product offerings.
“However, recent news about the COVID Delta variant and an increase in cases has caused us to re-evaluate the risks and benefits of attending a large, in-person event at this time. Because of this, we will no longer be attending the CEDIA Expo this year. Snap One will not have a booth presence, training, party, keynote or employees present at the show.
“This was a difficult decision and we understand it will be disappointing for many, including us. Our highest priority is keeping our employees, partners and families safe, and helping to minimize any factors that may negatively impact businesses.”
Others May Follow
There are many rumors of other companies, large and small, considering the same decision. While none of the companies that I have contacted have confirmed (or denied) the rumors of their consideration of potentially pulling out – Snap One has made it official in a letter released to the media today.
Once again, I would not be surprised if others follow this decision. Indiana was listed in the recent CDC hot zone map showing where the Delta variant is causing significant increase in infections per 100,000 people. Several other companies have told me they are considering making the same decision as both Savant and Snap One.
For more on Snap One, visit snapone.com.
Not the first and certainly not the last company to do the right thing. Corporations owe their employees, customers, owners and partners intelligent and ethical behavior and choices. What other choice did Snap One have?
I question why the Cedia Show hasn’t been canceled. Could it be based on Emeralds financial problems.
I’m a car enthusiast. The New York Auto Show, scheduled for the last week of August, was just canceled.
Meanwhile, the Delta virus continues to be a growing threat.
What I find disingenuous is that the floor plans and exhibitor list has not been updated almost a week after Savant pulled out. For potential, last minute attendees, or even exhibitors, this is misrepresentation. Not everyone hears the latest news and will base their decisions on what they see on the official website. Either Emerald have done this intentionally (bad) or are not aware (bad).