Assessing the Impact of Coronavirus on Global Electronics Conferences

Following the emergence of a novel virus in early December, global responses have since varied greatly. The coronavirus—now dubbed COVID-19 by health officials—has accounted for over 64,000 confirmed cases in 27 countries. We still don’t know exactly how the pathogen works aside from its infectious nature. These questions have led governments and companies to exercise caution. 

Technology giants like Foxconn and Apple temporarily halted operations of Chinese factories. Stores across China have temporarily closed. Countries have ceased air travel to and from the country in recent weeks. Experts expect this labor slowdown to impact device production. A report earlier this week even suggested that the virus could “halve China’s smartphone sales in the first quarter.” Delays and public dispersion are preventing new products from hitting the market.

Disrupting Events and Gatherings

Unfortunately, related hurdles are preventing key stakeholders from attending upcoming events. The GSMA released a statement acknowledging this, and has cancelled Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2020. The event hosts over 100,000 exhibitors and attendees annually, including some of the smartphone industry’s biggest names. Intel, LG, Vodafone, ZTE, Nvidia, Sony, Amazon, Cisco, and Ericsson—among others—have pulled out. Those falling dominoes have proven too consequential for MWC. China has historically accounted for 6% of attendees according to the GSMA.  

Organizers have suspended Barcelona’s MWC 2020. Image courtesy of Vulcan Post.

Mobile World Congress is a premier forum for showcasing groundbreaking technologies and sharing new ideas. Such flow of information is nearly second to none in the tech realm. Cancelling press meetings and presentations will undoubtedly hinder this.

Meanwhile, Embedded World 2020 is still green lit for February 25–27 in Nuremberg, Germany. The country claims more confirmed cases of COVID-19 than its European neighbors, yet is taking steps to protect attendees. Though conference officials downplay the concern associated with Chinese nationals, the risk is noteworthy.

Notable Embedded World Dropouts

Key attendees have echoed that hesitation. STMicroelectronics—one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of ICs, MCUs, and sensors—has dropped out. Companies like these don’t only generate excitement for attendees; they spark future developments. IoT leader Telit has also decided not to participate. Microchip, a major semiconductor producer, is also withdrawing. 

Embedded World typically draws tens of thousands annually. 2020 attendees will miss out on perhaps the most electrifying presentations the conference can offer. STMicroelectronics and others are opting for safety in lieu of exposure.

Effects on Other Conferences

Regardless of existing travel plans, companies have been monitoring coronavirus closely as conference dates approach. We may expect to see more exclusions from these events as time passes. Public health developments will drive these decisions.

The Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) is still slated for March 15–19, in New Orleans, Louisiana. There are currently 15 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the US. While not a large deterrent yet, the virus’ reach could certainly expand in a month’s time. APEC seemingly draws a smaller, more localized crowd than its overseas counterparts. This might help mitigate any risks.

Our own Kate Smith recently returned from the Automation Technology Conference (ATX) West in Anaheim, California. Safety concerns failed to sideline ATX, yet show runners were keen on promoting public health measures.

A sign promoting public health awareness at ATX, in response to COVID.

How are developments affecting Chinese companies?

These conferences draw some of China’s largest tech companies. Xiaomi, Huawei, and even Siemens are regular participants at Mobile World Conference. They also house some of the largest electrical engineering teams in the world. Such powerhouses share a wealth of knowledge with attendees every year. We’ve also seen BOE Technology Group set up shop at Embedded World in prior years. These companies aren’t based in Wuhan, yet are headquartered in some of China’s most-populous areas.

Travel restrictions pertaining to Wuhan and Hubei will prevent local entities from appearing at global events. Those consequences may grow over time. Wuhan itself is a burgeoning tech haven with a massive population. It’s also an industrial leader. Companies under lockdown in Wuhan won’t be allocating resources to conferences, even if they’re able to travel.

The Future is Dubious

By and large, we’re still in wait-and-see mode globally. The progression of coronavirus has been unpredictable—those fears are preventing monumental exchanges of ideas and technologies. Wuhan itself is no intellectual slouch. Its population exceeds 11,000,000, many large companies have put down roots there, and the region contributes heavily to the EE world.

Groups like the GSMA are prioritizing public safety. Others are adopting a more-relaxed approach. It’s hard to say what the right answers are, but one question still looms: just how much brain drain will coronavirus account for at these events? Time will reveal whether more companies bow out.