Natpe Miami 2022 cancelled as Omicron surge continues around the world

Natpe Miami 2022 has been cancelled by its organisers due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 around the world.

JP Bommel

The in-person conference, due to take place between January 18 and 20, has been called off to protect the health and safety of all attendees, with new dates and locations under consideration, Natpe said.

The event organiser said it is developing a plan to create both virtual and in-person events, when appropriate, throughout the year “with either no fees or limited ones in appreciation for the support Natpe has received from many people around the world.”

JP Bommel, president and CEO of Natpe, said: “Although this decision from a financial point of view will cost the organisation a great deal of money, that was secondary to our primary concern, which is to put the welfare of our members first.

“We put a great deal of safety protocols in place, but it is just not enough given the intensity of this virus which is spreading at an enormous rate all over the world. We look forward to producing a strong conference at the right time and under the best circumstances, and to provide all our attendees with the greatest value we can offer.”

The move comes after Natpe Miami was held virtually in 2021 while its international event in Budapest, due to take place in late August last year, was cancelled due to the rise of the Delta variant.

In related news, another industry event due to take place in Miami, Kidscreen Summit 2022, has been postponed from February 14-17 to July 18-21 due to the Omicron variant. The location and venue will remain the same, while Kidscreen Summit Virtual will take place on March 7-11.