SXSW cancels its event due to coronavirus

After numerous tech and entertainment companies have pulled out of next week's South by Southwest (SXSW) festival because of coronavirus concerns, the organizers have pulled the plug on the event. SXSW announced on its official Twitter account that they had to shut down the tech, movie, and music festival to follow an order from the City of Austin. The organizers noted that they were "devastated" to share the news to fans, and while they usually stood by "the show must go on" idea, they were going to "faithfully follow" the city's orders. 

Apple, Netflix won't be attending SXSW, too

We've reported about Facebook and Twitter not attending South by Southwest (SXSW) because of coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns; but, now, we learn that Apple and Netflix are also pulling out of the tech, music, and film festival. Apple was supposed to host the world premiere of Spike Jonze's Beastie Boys Story at SXSW, as well as premieres of musical series called Central Park and documentary series Home. There were also supposed to be a talk featuring Little America's creators Kumail Nanijani and Emily V. Gordon. Netflix, on the other hand, was supposed to host a panel and five film screenings.

As of Monday, SXSW is still happening. The organizers updated its site to have a page dedicated to any questions related to the coronavirus' impact on the event. The webpage also contains tips on how to prevent spreading the disease.

Google cancels in-person event at Cloud Next

The latest conference affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) is Google's Cloud Next. The company cancelled the in-person aspect of the event, which was scheduled for April 6 through 8 and was expected to draw 30,000 people. In its place, Google will be hosting a free virtual version called "Google Cloud Next '20: Digital Connect."

The virtual event will let attendees listen to keynotes, participate in breakout sessions, ask experts questions, and more. Google is updating its site with registration information. The company is also refunding tickets for the physical conference.

Facebook, Twitter will not be attending SXSW due to coronavirus concerns

Social media companies Facebook and Twitter have announced that they will be pulling out of the upcoming South by Southwest (SXSW). Both companies cited concerns regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. 

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