OFC Management issued a statement yesterday reiterating that they intend to hold the optical communications conference and exposition March 8-12 in San Diego as planned. The statement came in the wake of further defections by major technology companies out of concerns surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Ciena and Lumentum were the first Western technology companies to announce that they had cancelled plans to participate in the show (see “Ciena, Lumentum pull out of OFC 2020 due to coronavirus concerns”). Since then, Acacia Communications, Fujitsu Network Communications, Infinera, OFS, and Viavi Solutions have revealed similar decisions.
“While we were looking forward to attending OFC 2020, the premier optical networking conference, and showcasing our latest innovations, our top priority is the health and safety of our employees, and our concern extends to the welfare and well-being of our customers, partners and others in our community,” said Tom Fallon, Infinera CEO, via a press statement. “We appreciate the event organizer’s action plans to lessen the coronavirus risk, but our decision not to attend this year is in line with other precautionary measures we have implemented to reduce the threat of exposure to our employees and mitigate the impact on our ability to serve our customers.”
“We have heard from many exhibitors that they are committed to attend OFC and we thank them for their continued engagement. OFC Management respects the decision of exhibitors who decided to cancel their participation due to the impact of the Coronavirus and look forward to partnering with them in the future,” read a statement OFC Management issued late in the day February 26.
“OFC Management is closely monitoring the ongoing potential impact to you (our attendees, exhibitors and vendors) and is following guidance from worldwide health organizations and experts. We are fully committed to taking appropriate precautions to provide a safe and healthy environment for all attendees,” the statement continued.
Show management also is encouraging Chinese nationals who were scheduled to speak during the conference but can’t attend to videotape their presentations for playback during their appointed time slots in San Diego. Poster session graphics from organizations who can’t make the show will be available via the event app.
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[Editor's Note: This story has been updated from the original to include OFS among the list of companies not going to OFC 2020.]