The IBTTA's 88th Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Austin, Texas, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic - but will go ahead in virtual form, the tolling organisation says.
In a statement, IBTTA president Samuel Johnson speaks of his "deep regret" but says the decision was taken about the September gathering "due to Austin city health guidelines and the response we received from our members regarding travel restrictions in 2020".
However, he goes on: "But…all is not lost! For the first time, we are taking our Annual Meeting VIRTUAL!"
The new, digital event will run on 13-15 September, the same time as the original was scheduled.
Johnson said that chief meeting organisers Dee Anne Heath (of host agency CTRMA) and Jeff Heilstedt (WSP) had been working hard.
"A lot of effort has already been put into planning a very innovative and interesting meeting," he added.
"Now, they’ll switch gears and work with the IBTTA staff to bring great content and lots of energy to a virtual event at the same time this September."
Thanking sponsors and exhibitors for their patience, he concluded: "We look forward to seeing you all in the virtual exhibit hall and meet-up areas."
More details will be available at www.IBTTA.org/virtualannual including programme updates.
IBTTA hopes to return to Austin for an Annual Meeting in 2022 "depending on venue availability", and confirms that the 2021 event will be in Anaheim, California.
