iradiophilly | Culture - SXSW (South by Southwest) 2020 Canceled Due to Coronavirus Concerns; Amplify Philly at SXSW Canceled

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SXSW (South by Southwest) 2020 Canceled Due to Coronavirus Concerns; Amplify Philly at SXSW Canceled

by: iradioal - Philadelphia, PA
started: 03/06/20 10:17 pm | updated: 03/06/20 10:17 pm

SXSW (South by Southwest) 2020 has been canceled due to concerns of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This will be the first time in 34 years that the music, tech, film festival/conference will not be held in Austin, TX. Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt announced a "local state of disaster" in the city and county at a press conference on Friday afternoon, 3/6. This gives authorities the ability to look at mass gathering events in the area and evaluate whether they should be canceled or not "unless organizers are able to assure Austin Public Health that mitigation plans for infectious diseases are in place." SXSW was scheduled from March 13-22. There have not been any confirmed coronavirus cases in the Austin area.

Last year, the SXSW events brought 417,400 people from 106 countries. The estimated economic impact for the 2019 events was $355.9 million. Officials certainly had to weigh the realistic possibilities of the virus outbreak coming to the area from outside visitors and that potential impact versus the significant loss of the economic impact that SXSW brings each year to many workers in many industries. They chose to fall on the prudent side. Some people believe this is another example of growing panic and overreaction.

An Update on SXSW 2020. Please read our full statement here: https://t.co/P56nF8KFmE pic.twitter.com/ouJPKM9GNy
â€” SXSW (@sxsw) March 6, 2020

iradiophilly was planning on attending SXSW for the 6th year broadcasting Philadelphia's official presence at the festival with Amplify Philly. This year we were expanding our live radio broadcast from just the final night concert to include all three days and nights (see iradiophilly.com/amplifyphilly). Amplify Philly had to cancel plans for the Amplify Philly House and all associated programming once the greater SXSW event was pulled. They are currently working on next steps.

With a heavy heart we announce that the City of Austin has officially cancelled SXSW this year. Once again, we appreciate all efforts that have been contributed to the success of Amplify Philly at SXSW and now we must adapt. Any questions can be sent to amplifyphilly@gmail.com. pic.twitter.com/n6AemGZbG2
â€” Amplify Philly (@AmplifyPhilly) March 6, 2020

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