Firefighters conference postponed due to coronavirus
INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — One of the largest conventions in Indianapolis will be delayed this year. Organizers of the annual FDIC International, or Fire Department Instructors Conference, say the event scheduled for April 19-25 is being postponed due to “recent activities around COVID-19.”
More than 35,000 fire and rescue professionals from over 65 countries were expected to attend the conference this year. FDIC International generates more than $30 million in economic impact, according to Visit Indy.
FDIC International says the decision was made in an effort to “prioritize the safety and health of our attendees, exhibitors, customers and staff above all else.” Organizers are working with the Indiana Convention Center and Visit Indy for new dates for the event.
“FDIC has been convening in Indy annually since 1995. As their convention has grown in size, so has our city,” Visit Indy Senior Vice President Chris Gahl said in a statement to Inside INdiana Business. “With a large portion of their attendees coming from international destinations, coupled with overall U.S. travel restrictions, we understand and support their decision to postpone. We are actively working with FDIC to pinpoint dates later in 2020.”
The announcement came on the same day Governor Eric Holcomb ordered non-essential gatherings in the state be limited to no more than 250 people.
“This is a time when we must do all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19, protect our most vulnerable populations and reduce their potential to acquire or spread this virus,” Holcomb said in a news release. “While some actions are drastic, now, not later, is the time to act.”
You can read FDIC International’s full statement below.
In light of the recent activities around COVID-19, we are continuing to prioritize the safety and health of our attendees, exhibitors, customers and staff above all else. We are postponing FDIC International and are in conversations with the Indiana Convention Center and Convention & Visitors Bureau for new dates and we ask that you bear with us as we evaluate all opportunities.
We are in communication with the local and state authorities to ensure we are following all guidelines for the event. We know, that we are certainly not alone as many of you are also facing difficult situations in the communities you live in and serve.
In the following days we will have more information to share with you and will reach out to you at that time. As always, we appreciate your support of FDIC. If you have any questions or concerns now, please do talk to a member of our team.