NATPE Conference In Miami Canceled Following Rising COVID-19 Concerns

The National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE), the global business association for content producers, distributors, streamers and buyers across all platforms, has canceled its upcoming in-person conference in Miami, Florida following the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. The annual gathering was slated for Tuesday, January 18 through Thursday, January 20.

“Although this decision from a financial point of view will cost the organization a great deal of money, that was secondary to our primary concern, which is to put the welfare of our members first,” said JP Bommel President and CEO, NATPE in a statement. “We put a great deal of safety protocols in place, but it is just not enough given the intensity of this virus which is spreading at an enormous rate all over the world. We look forward to producing a strong conference at the right time and under the best circumstances, and to provide all our attendees with the greatest value we can offer.”

According to its press release, NATPE is in the process of developing a plan to create both virtual and in-person events (when appropriate) throughout the year (either at no cost or at limited fees).

The NATPE of yesteryear (frequented each year by this writer) was a grand meet and greet for distributors to sell their syndicated programming to station executives. With fewer distributors over the years (i.e. consolidation) and the decline of new national syndicated programs being presented (in exchange for more test-runs, which significantly cuts the cost of launching if the format does not work), NATPE has changed to evolve both globally and digitally. The move from Las Vegas to Miami a number of years ago was made to accommodate international attendees.