[Otakon News]Monitoring Novel Coronavirus Concerns for Otakon 2020

[OtakonNews 45]

Our thoughts are with those affected by the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus and we want our members to know we are closely monitoring the situation as it continues to develop.

At this time, Otakon 2020 is planned to go on as scheduled, July 31-August 2, 2020.

We are not taking this matter lightly and are monitoring daily updates from the CDC and the World Health Organization, and continue to work with Events DC, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and our hotel partners to provide a safe place for our attendees to enjoy everything we have to offer this year.

If changes to the event need to be made we will keep this page updated with any details.

We look forward to seeing you in July.

[Aresef 113]

Not much else to really be said. Thanks for taking this seriously, especially as other events nationwide are affected and as the first positive tests in Maryland come to light.

[shadowspawn 21]

So, it is starting to look like this CORVID-19 thing might (as in "maybe", not for sure) be turning into total poopshow for months.

Anything to share about the current thoughts and inclinations of the Otakon officers and staff?

My wife is 68 years old and still has a compromised immune system from chemo a couple of years ago, so we're wondering how Otakon is leaning in regards to the next convention.

[Fadamor 94]

I'm guessing they'll wait until the current recommendations from the CDC draw to a close (end of April) before re-evaluating whether Otakon remains a "Go". They (Otakorp) will have a much better idea of which way the pandemic is moving by then.

[kalyoth 5]

On 4/1/2020 at 10:11 AM, Fadamor said:

I'm guessing they'll wait until the current recommendations from the CDC draw to a close (end of April) before re-evaluating whether Otakon remains a "Go". They (Otakorp) will have a much better idea of which way the pandemic is moving by then.

If they are like many other conventions under contract/obligations, if they make any mention of not holding the event, it opens them up to obligations directly payable for the event. They are likely awaiting judgement from an authority involved in the venue that voids their obligations outside of their control, thus allowing them to speak more about not holding a convention.

Like nearly all things - it's always about the money in the end.

Edited April 6, 2020 by kalyoth

[shadowspawn 21]

3 hours ago, kalyoth said:

If they are like many other conventions under contract/obligations, if they make any mention of not holding the event, it opens them up to obligations directly payable for the event.

 

This is a wise observation.

So, things are proceeding in a smart way it seems.