Yesterday Patently Apple posted a report titled "Apple Drops out of the South by Southwest event that was to debut the Documentary Film titled "Beastie Boys Story" and more." Other major event were cancelled last week. The latest to cancel a major annual event is IBM.

IBM notified the public last night that the health of IBM’s clients, employees and partners is their primary concern. In light of global precautions for the COVID-19 Coronavirus, and building upon recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), IBM is taking a new approach to its signature events and adopting new travel policies.

The company’s premier client and developer conference "IBM Think 2020," is officially cancelled though replaced with a digital-first event, to still be held on May 5-7.

Think 2020 will be an exciting combination of live streamed content, interactive sessions and certifications and locally hosted events, which will highlight IBM’s technology and industry expertise for developers and clients without the risk of travel. 

The company has also adopted new travel restrictions through the end of March for the safety of its employees and clients, consistent with travel guidance by the WHO.

IBM is suspending all domestic travel for internal meetings, and for participation in all external events with more than 1000 attendees.

In addition, all international travel will be sharply curtailed to only business-critical situations when virtual methods are insufficient.

If IBMers have personal travel to restricted locations, they must inform their manager and must self-quarantine for 14 days after their trip is completed, per recommendations by health organizations.

Domestic travel for work with clients is permitted, and IBMers are encouraged to hold meetings and events virtually.

As a result of these new travel restrictions, IBM is withdrawing its attendance in the HIMSS health care conference in Orlando next week.

With IBM quickly adapting to the COVID-19 situation that all businesses are under, you have to wonder if switching to online events will become a trend in 2020.