iPipeline Cites Virus Fears In Cancelling Annual Vegas Conference

Citing risks from the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, iPipeline has canceled its Connections 2020 conference set for March 15-17 in Las Vegas.

An annual event focusing on technology in financial services, Connections drew hundreds of attendees. This year's event was to be held at Aria and is believed to be the biggest financial services conference to date to be canceled due to the virus.

"Unfortunately, there are a lot of unknowns about this virus and its potential impact," iPipeline CEO Larry Berran said in an email. "Things seem to be changing rapidly and we do not wish to have anyone take unnecessary risks. We just think it is prudent to be cautious currently and hope this turns out to be nothing."

iPipeline is looking into providing some content in an online setting, Berran said. More information will be provided in the coming weeks, he added.

Fears of coronavirus becoming a global pandemic is causing the cancellation of many conferences as companies seek to avoid concentrating large numbers of people in confined spaces.

Google, Microsoft and Facebook are just some companies who have cancelled major events slated for the coming weeks.

Other industry trade associations all said Tuesday that they have no plans to postpone upcoming events.

InsuranceNewsNet Senior Editor John Hilton has covered business and other beats in more than 20 years of daily journalism. John may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @INNJohnH.

InsuranceNewsNet Senior Editor John Hilton has covered business and other beats in more than 20 years of daily journalism. John may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @INNJohnH.