San Francisco (AFP)
CES, the annual American high mass of electronics and technology, will be virtual in 2021, organizers announced on Tuesday, a sign of a longer-term tightening of hygiene measures to ward off the coronavirus.
"Given growing global concerns over the spread of Covid-19, it is not possible to safely bring tens of thousands of people together in Las Vegas in early January 2021 to meet and do business in person "says the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).
Every year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) allows thousands of companies to present their new products and latest innovations, from ever thinner televisions to ever more connected cars and accessories.
A month ago, the CTA still seemed to be considering holding the 2021 edition in person. But the new rise in cases of coronavirus contamination in the United States is forcing decision-makers to review their plans.
The CTA claims to be "delighted" to offer this "fully digital experience", which participants can attend from anywhere in the world.
There will be a "platform" for exhibitors to virtually present their products, conferences and interactive meetings.
Around the world, containment and traffic restrictions have resulted in cascading cancellations and postponements for fairs and shows.
The Geneva Motor Show - 600,000 visitors - whose 2020 edition had been canceled, will not be held next year either: in a survey, a majority of the usual exhibitors indicated that they would participate probably not.
The IFA new technologies fair in Berlin should take place in early September, but in a very small committee. The Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, in early March, is moving towards a "hybrid" format, which will alternate physical and online events.
Last January, around 175,000 visitors walked the aisles of the various hotels and casinos in Las Vegas, where more than 4,500 exhibitors were gathered.
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