NAB Postponed 2021 Convention After Las Vegas Warned of Slow Return to Normal

Evidence suggesting it will be “well into next year” before COVID-19 comes “under control” forced NAB to postpone its 2021 Las Vegas show from April to Oct. 9-13, said CEO Gordon Smith Wednesday (see 2009090046). There’s widespread “reluctance” about participating in large events in 2020's first half, he said. “We also have our own concerns around being able to deliver the type of event in April that will not only drive results, but one that can be produced safely for all involved and without significant limitations on the experience.” NAB will find a new date for the October 2021 NAB Show New York. It already decided to collocate the Radio Show with the Las Vegas show next year. The postponement came weeks after Las Vegas resort executives began playing down expectations about a return to normal convention business before next summer. COVID-19's cancellation of the physical CES 2021 in early January (see 2007280034) typified the shaky outlook for Las Vegas conventions next year, said Wynn Las Vegas President Marilyn Spiegel last month (see 2008050028). NAB’s action set a new bar for moving or scrapping large public gatherings with ample notice and lead time. CTA canceled CES 2021 on July 28 with five months and nine days to spare, while NAB’s postponement Wednesday was seven months and two days before the show was to open.