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SXSW canceled for first time in 34 years

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The popular tech, music and film festival SXSW will be canceled due to coronavirus concerns.

This marks the first time the 34 year history of the festival that it will be canceled.

Over recent weeks, an increasing number of companies and speakers have pulled out and some attendees have voiced concerns about an event that brings so many people from around the globe into close proximity.

Prior to the cancellation, Amazon, Apple and Netflix canceled film debuts slated for the event and many other companies pulled out of having a presence at the event due to company recommendations about restricting travel and large gatherings.

Many mainstream media organizations have personalities on the ground at the event participating in panels as well as reporting on the latest from Austin. CNN typically holds several major events.

Austin’s mayor, Steve Adler, issued an order that effectively spelled the end for the 2020 South By Southwest festival.

SXSW organizers said they will follow the direction of the city in a tweet and statement.

The festival provides an estimates $355 million in economic stimulus to the city of Austin.

Meanwhile, the event organizers say they are exploring virtual options for holding the event, including SXSW EDU.

As late as Monday, SXSW publicly stated the event would continue as planned.

The next day, additional speakers were added.

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