CORONAVIRUS is causing carnage among organisers of freight and logistics conferences, with MEGATRANS 2020 the latest to be postponed.
The event was to have been held at Melbourne Convention Centre this April and organisers are now planning to hold the event in April 2021.
The Australian Logistics Council has also announced the postponement of its Forum 2020, scheduled for next week.
“Due to continuing uncertainty within our industry and the imposition of significant domestic travel restrictions by some companies in response to the evolving COVID-19 situation, the Australian Logistics Council has today made the difficult decision to postpone ALC Forum 2020,” ALC CEO Kirk Coningham said in a statement.
“We are mindful that at this time, the primary focus of industry participants must be on dealing with the evolving situation and protecting the wellbeing of their team members.”
The ALC has confirmed a new date for Forum 2020, which is to now take place on 28-29 October 2020 at the same venue (William Inglis Hotel, Warwick Farm).
“ALC sincerely apologises for any inconvenience this development may have caused,” Mr Coningham said.
“We recognise and appreciate that all participants have invested significant time and effort to contribute to the program. This effort will not be wasted – the Forum in October will present a comprehensive program, while permitting more people to attend.”
Meanwhile the Australian Federation of International Forwarders has decided to postpone the AFIF2020 National Conference, originally set for May 28-29 at Brighton Beach, Sydney.
“The decision has been made in support of our members businesses, event sponsors and all attendees, in respect to the current environment where amongst other difficulties, certain restrictions have been placed on company travel and attendance at such events due to the Covid-19 public health threat,” an AFIF statement read.
“AFIF regrets the inconvenience of this cancellation, which is based upon considered advice.”
AFIF said it would aim to work with our partners towards hosting an event at a later date.
Daily Cargo News has previously reported on the postponement of the International Harbour Masters’ Association conference in Hobart and the cancellation of the Asian Shipowners’ Association conference in Darwin. The Intermodal Asia conference scheduled for Shanghai also has been postponed.
