Showlight 2021 Postponed Due to Coronavirus

It is with great disappointment that Showlight announces the postponement of Showlight 2021, scheduled for May 2021 in Fontainebleau, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been an extremely difficult decision, which has been made in view of both the immediate effects and anticipated recovery period that will be needed by companies and individuals across the industry in the coming months.

The state of the lighting industry, the probable extension of restrictions on gatherings, and the effect that this is having on theatres, cinemas, events and concerts worldwide where audiences are involved are immediate and catastrophic, and the resulting effect to employment and income, within all aspects of performance and the technical support of entertainment at all levels, are equally devastating.

While the company sincerely hopes that, by May 2021, the situation will have improved, it cannot tell to what extent events and social interaction will have returned to "normal." While last month it was confident enough to continue preparing for the original dates, the ongoing feedback from the industry makes it evident that the after-effects will take longer to subside. The industry will need time to recover, and companies and individuals will need to prioritize their own financial recovery.

So, while the company acknowledges that Showlight is a much-loved event, the well-being of everyone in the industry comes first. Showlight needs to be sensitive to the financial situation that many of its sponsors, exhibitors, and delegates may find themselves in, through no fault of their own, after the worst of the pandemic has passed. The company understands the cost of exhibiting, travel, and accommodation for Showlight would be an added strain on company and individual finances at a time when income and wages are severely reduced, so we feel that postponing Showlight until these have had a chance to recover is the most sensible thing to do.

In addition, Showlight is a voluntary organization entirely dependent upon the support of its sponsors, and exhibitors. Without sponsorship from many companies and the goodwill and attendance of lighting industry exhibitors, the economics of Showlight would be severely impacted. The company also has to consider its delegates, many of whom will spend a large proportion of the next few months either unemployed or furloughed, in which case attendance at Showlight, so soon after the crisis, may not be possible for a variety of reasons.

So for now, Showlight, like everyone, urges readers to stay at home, be safe, and keep connected (via the website below, the Showlight mailing list, Twitter, and Facebook) for updates on a revised date for Showlight, and the company looks forward to happier, healthier times.

Take care, be safe.