- IBM is suspending domestic travel and is converting the “Think 2020” developer conference to digital-only
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, IBM has just announced that it has suspended all domestic travel for the company’s internal meetings. Plus IBM is also cutting down on international travel.
IBM is also suspending employee participation at external events with over 1,000 attendees. This decision is being applied until the end of March.
Domestic travel for client work is still being allowed. And employees are being encouraged to have virtual meetings.
The IBM Think 2020 developer conference has also been converted into a “digital-first” event between May 5 and May 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. We will share updates here,” said IBM in a statement. “The company has also adopted new travel restrictions through the end of March for the safety of its employees and clients, consistent with travel guidance by the WHO.”
IBM is not the only major tech company to cancel a major conference. Google also cancelled two conferences and Facebook has blocked social visits to its company offices.
If any employee travels to a restricted location, then IBM is requiring that employee to self-quarantine for 14 days once the trip is completed.
