Coronavirus Update: IBM Recreates Its Developer Conference As A Digital Event, Suspends All Domestic Travels For Internal Meetings

In the light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, IBM has converted its IBM Think 2020 conference to a digital event. The company stated that it is making changes to its travel policies as well.

IBM Think is a major client and developer conference, which saw 30,000 attendees in 2019. The event was planned for this May in San Francisco. But, the latest statement by the tech company pointed towards a digital event, which will be live-streamed without the risk of traveling for the conference.

“IBM Think 2020, the company’s premier client and developer conference will be recreated as a global, digital-first event, to still be held on May 5-7.

Think 2020 will be an exciting combination of live-streamed content, interactive sessions and certifications, and locally hosted events, which will highlight IBM’s technology and industry expertise for developers and clients without the risk of travel,” the IBM blog post read.

Meanwhile, the post also confirmed that IBM has taken into consideration new travel restrictions through the end of March keeping in mind “the safety of its employees and clients, consistent with travel guidance by the WHO.”

The company is ceasing all domestic travels for internal meetings. Moreover, participation in all events with more than 1000 attendees stands suspended. Virtual methods of communication are encouraged for IBM employees and all international travels will be monitored and sharply lessened.

In addition, if any IBM employee has personal travel to restricted cities, they need to inform their manager. Also, they must self-quarantine for 14 days after the travel is completed.

Various other tech companies like Twitter, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft have curtailed their events and asked their employees to work remotely.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common coronavirus symptoms include tiredness, fever, and dry cough. In some patients, there are signs of runny nose, diarrhea, sore throat, nasal congestion or pains, and aches. Most people recover from this disease without requiring any special treatment.

The coronavirus outbreak has killed more than 3,250 people globally. More than 95,000 people have been tested positive for coronavirus, mostly in China.