The National Indian Gaming Association has postponed its conference and tradeshow convention set for March 24-27 in San Diego due to the coronavirus.
No date has been given for rescheduling.
The National Indian Gaming Association Board of Directors and Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. made the announcement Thursday after an emergency meeting and unanimous vote to postpone the annual event.
NIGA released a statement saying its decision to postpone came after California Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order addressing the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order directs Californians to follow public health directives, including canceling larger gatherings of more than 250 people.
The NIGA board was also “driven by the overwhelming critical safety concerns” voiced by many tribal governments and the gaming industry.
“The health and safety of our tribal gaming attendees are of paramount concern and postponing the Indian Gaming Tradeshow, for now, is the safest course of action,” Stevens said. “Our board of directors and association staff will work diligently on the best path forward for all impacted attendees in light of this postponement.”
NIGA said it will provide updates as they become available regarding the next steps after postponement.
Clarion Gaming released a statement saying NIGA will provide more details in the coming weeks regarding the new dates of the 2020 event. Clarion and NIGA thanked tribal leaders, exhibitors, sponsors, members, attendees and staff for their support.
“We will be doing outreach directly to registered attendees and exhibitors with detailed information shortly and ask that you bear with us through this time,” according to the statement from Clarion. “If you have made hotel reservations through Connections Housing, your reservation will be cancelled immediately and you will receive a confirmation, there is no need to call to cancel your reservation.”
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Thursday five additional people locally tested positive for Covid-19 to bring the region’s total to six. At least one person caught the virus locally, the newspaper reported.
