Just 10 days prior to NATPE Miami 2022, which was due to open its doors to attendees, organizers announced that Saturday’s annual event would be cancelled as COVID-19 cases rise across the country.
The National Association of Television Program Executives cited safety concerns as the reason to scrap the annual conference. This even though it will incur a financial loss.
“Although this decision from a financial point of view will cost the organization a great deal of money, that was secondary to our primary concern, which is to put the welfare of our members first,”JP Bommel, President and CEO of NATPE stated in a statement.
“We put a great deal of safety protocols in place, but it is just not enough given the intensity of this virus which is spreading at an enormous rate all over the world. We look forward to producing a strong conference at the right time and under the best circumstances, and to provide all our attendees with the greatest value we can offer,”Bommel was added.
Last month, NATPE The conference would continue as planned at Fontainebleau Resort. On-site testing was also available, along with the already required proof that vaccination. However, the outbreak of coronavirus caused by the highly-contagious variant of omicron was causing more severe complications than expected, and the conference was eventually cancelled.
The next NATPE Conference & Marketplace will take place at new dates and locations. A decision will be made later. You may also find smaller events. “throughout the year with either no fees or limited ones,” organizers said.
Every year, the NATPE convention attracts celebrities, content producers and media buyers from broadcast and cable networks, looking to acquire and promote new programming.