The 2020 ETO Show which was due to take place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry this weekend has been postponed until September 13^th and 14^th. Organiser Jonathan Kirk said the escalating situation surrounding the coronavirus has made the decision inevitable: “I am heartbroken that we are announcing this at such short notice, but nothing is more important than the safety of our exhibitors and visitors,” he said. “We have a moral obligation to them.”

Even though the risk to individuals remains low, Kirk said it would have been irresponsible for the show to have gone ahead in the current climate. “If there was any way we could have guaranteed the safety of exhibitors and visitors while still hosting the show then we would have, but that is unfortunately no longer the case. It’s hugely disappointing for us, and I know it will be for all the exhibitors who have been planning for this weekend for months, but it’s the right thing to do.”

Exhibitors and visitors who have booked to stay at the onsite Hilton hotel should call 02476 933 340 or email hotel.reservations@ricoharena.co.uk to claim a refund or rebook for the new dates.

A number of other high profile events have been cancelled in the last few days, including London Book Fair, the Geneva Motor Show, London Bike Show, videogaming conference E3, and Eroticon, and earlier today American president Donald Trump announced a ban on visitors from Europe (excluding the UK and Ireland) entering the US in an attempt to stop the virus spreading further.

The 2020 ETO Awards have also been postponed until Sunday 13^th September and all pre-purchased tickets are transferable.

The latest information and advice on the coronavirus situation from the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England can be found here.