The coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation or postponement of more than 24 exhibitions and conferences worldwide, hammering the $2.5 trillion trade show industry and foreshadowing more pain to come.
Since the COVID-19 virus emerged in China in late December, U.S. airlines have cut service to much of China and Hong Kong, resulting in dozens of trade exhibitions and conferences being canceled or postponed. Corporations have pulled their executives from attending conferences across the globe, including major trade shows in the U.S., amid fears of a possible pandemic.
