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Both F8 and GDC 2020 have also been postponed due to similar concerns of an outbreak.
Fears over a potential outbreak of COVID-19 has forced Google to postpone its annual I/O developer conference, normally held in May at the Shoreline Amphitheater just across the street from Googleplex headquarters in Mountain View, California.
“Due to concerns around the coronavirus (COVID-19), and in accordance with health guidance from the CDC, WHO, and other health authorities, we have decided to cancel the physical Google I/O event at Shoreline Amphitheatre,” Google said in a statement. “Over the coming weeks, we will explore other ways to evolve Google I/O to best connect with and continue to build our developer community. We’ll continue to update the Google I/O website.”
Those who’ve already purchased tickets will receive a full refund by March 13th as well as the ability to automatically purchase tickets for Google I/O 2021. Much like how Facebook has pledged $500,000 to San Jose organizations after canceling F8, Google is donating a sizable $1M to local Mountain View businesses and organizations in support of educational STEM and science programs.
While Google has confirmed all in-person events have been canceled, there’s still the possibility of a remote conference. Facebook has already stated it will be hosting a series of live streams to compensate for an in-person conference; Google could no doubt pull off a similar feat, organizing remote panels and conducting online workshops in lieu of a physical activation.
With three major conferences canceled in the span of a single month, one can only guess as to which event is on the chopping block next.
Feature Image Credit: Google