There has been a global outbreak of over 118,000 cases in more than 115 countries worldwide and many firms must be prepared for the economic aftermath
This includes international sporting events, music festivals and most importantly fintech conferences. Unfortunately, the booming business of fintech conferences is not immune. Pay 360 Conference, Open Banking World Congress who will now run as a free to attend virtual congress register here and the Temenos Community Forum have all been rescheduled. As the threat of coronavirus continues to spread globally, we should expect many more conferences to be rescheduled or cancelled.
We understand the frustration caused from COVID-19 as it has had a major impact especially in the events industry. The Fintech Times has partnered with 145 fintech events, and we will ensure that we are communicating with our members and partners regularly to find out what we can do to help.
As a leading media company, conferences are of importance but there are other ways fintech companies, institutions and individuals can voice their opinions, gain insights and knowledge of the industry. As we act as a news curator, we provide a full range of digital services.
The responses we’ve had from several conference organisations have obviously focused on public safety which is completely understandable.
Emerging Payments Association have announced :
“Following a meeting of our senior managers, we have decided that PAY360 will still go ahead, but not on March 17th. Conference locations are flooded with interest later in the year but we have decided to go for the same location, the Business Design Centre in just five months from now, when we think things will have calmed down and the situation is more familiar, on August 12th.
We will use this time to enrol even more delegates bookings and to ensure the content is updated. On behalf of the EPA community, we appreciate your continued support as our valued media partner in these difficult times.”
Open Banking World Congress have announced :
“I’m afraid we’re being forced to revise our plans for the Open Banking World Congress because of COVID-19 and its currently major impact on companies’ travel policies and event participation.
We’ve been monitoring it closely but it has become clear that we have to adopt our contingency plan, attached. Obviously this is the last thing we wanted to do; but I hope our new plans turn a potential disaster into a positive overall. ”
Temenos Community Forum and Temenos SCALE Developer Conference have announced :
“Due to the evolving situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), and following the best practices outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and local authorities, Temenos has decided to postpone the Temenos Community Forum and Temenos SCALE Developer Conference and host them later in the year.
Although we have the highest number of registered attendees compared to previous years, we made this decision to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our employees, partners and clients and of course the broader community.”
The Payments Canada Summit have announced :
“Today, in consideration of directives from the Public Health Agency of Canada, and after consultation with multiple stakeholders and members, we have made the decision to cancel this year’s Payments Canada SUMMIT.
This was not a decision taken lightly, but a necessary one, to protect the health and well being of our sponsors, our delegates and our staff.”
Euro Banking Association have announced :
“The health and safety of all our attendees is our highest priority. In light of the ever changing landscape around the COVID-19 outbreak and the inability to predict what the global situation will be in May, we have taken the necessary decision to defer EBAday 2020 to 25-26 November.”
Tracey Davies, President of Money20/20, Europes largest fintech event says :
“Planning for Money20/20 Europe is proceeding as normal for 16-18 June. We have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the right measures are in place if we need to take the decision to postpone the event. We are well prepared and have the flexibility to deliver the event at the right time for our customers. As always, our commitment to ensuring the safety of all those involved is paramount.”
Innovate Finance have announced :
“Innovate Finance is concerned about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and continues to closely monitor developments through the UK government and international health experts.
We are receiving many enquiries about the status of IFGS and UK FinTech Week. We are currently getting in touch with all our stakeholders & partners: sponsors, speakers and international delegations, to decide a way forward.”
What is COVID-19?
- The new coronavirus, now known as Covid-19 , was first encountered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019
- Symptoms include ; Fever , Cough , Shortness of breath
To avoid spreading the virus
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
For more information
Visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
