INDIANAPOLIS — A convention that was scheduled to begin at the end of March in Downtown Indianapolis has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The American Coatings Show and Conference was scheduled to take place March 31-April 2 at the Indiana Convention Center. Organizers of the event said it will be postponed to a later date in 2020.
According to information from Visit Indy, more than 10,000 people were expected to attend the convention, which previously has been held in Indianapolis in 2012, 2016 and 2018. Along with 2020, it is scheduled to return to the city in 2022.
"Postponement of ACS/ACC 2020 was unavoidable as the show could not proceed as scheduled due to forces beyond our control," the organization said in a statement.
The convention's organizers said they are working to secure new dates to reschedule the event at the convention center.
On Friday, Indiana health officials confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Indianapolis. Gov. Eric Holcomb declared a public health emergency in the state.
Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said 12 people have been tested in the state, while another 35 are being monitored for the virus.
"I need the public to be patriotic," Marion County Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine said. "Do the things they need to do to protect themselves. I need them to take this virus very seriously, but you can die just as well from the flu, influenza. We need everyone to do the things they need to do to protect everyone, and please follow our guidance."
Read the full statement from the American Coatings Show and Conference below:
After careful consideration and in response to the continuing developments surrounding COVID-19, the organizers of the American Coatings Show and Conference 2020 (ACS/ACC) announce that the ACS/ACC will be postponed to a later date in 2020. The ACS/ACC was scheduled for March 31 through April 2 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind.
Postponement of ACS/ACC 2020 was unavoidable as the show could not proceed as scheduled due to forces beyond our control.
The ACS/ACC organizers are working to secure dates to reschedule the show at the same venue in Indianapolis later in 2020. The new dates for the event will be announced as soon as possible.
ACS/ACC organizers will continue to keep our exhibitors, attendees and stakeholders informed of further details related to the postponement and rescheduling.
Thank you for your support, patience and cooperation as we continue to work through this challenging situation.
