sfwa.org/2020/03/11/a-m…
So why are some still going ahead?
A conference I was scheduled to attend at the end of March, responsibly canceled. They lost $100k.
Not in revenue, mind you. They still had to pay the bill.
Unless... unless a government declares assemblies illegal, in which case it becomes impossible to host the event and insurance kicks in.
After that, they're clear. The hotel is clear. (Insurance companies are screwed.)
So if you're more than four weeks out, waiting to cancel is prudent for the economic health of your vendors, organization, and partners.
I remind you of the group that lost $100k. There are non-profits that will never recover from that loss because their insurance won't cover it.
Good: The understanding of COVID-19 is such that holding the conference is safe.
Bad: In May, COVID-19 is bad enough that gatherings are declared illegal.
But a group that is in the three to four-week window? Especially if they're a non-profit...understand why they're holding out. This might economically break a group you love.
The only saving throw they've got is hoping to be declared illegal.
Meanwhile, wash your hands, stay home if you're sick, and try not to panic. Or at least not make decisions from panic.
"The advisory, which does not carry the force of law..."
I wish he would show some spine and make it binding.
latimes.com/california/sto…