Sports OTT Summit 2020 and Sports TV Awards ceremony postponed
Physical events delayed; complimentary digital content to be made available online on 27 May
SVG Europe has postponed the Sports OTT Summit 2020 and Sports TV Awards 2020.
The decision was made in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the UK government’s announcements regarding the movement of people and social distancing, and with the health and well-being of delegates, sponsors, speakers and staff in mind.
Both events were due to take place on 27 May at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London which is itself postponing all events up until ‘at least’ the end of May.
SVG Europe general manager Joe Hosken said: “Should the situation improve by the end of May, it may be possible to find an alternative venue for the events but taking on board the government’s regulations and medical advice, we believe that it would be irresponsible to ask, or expect, delegates, sponsors, speakers and staff to travel during, or immediately following, a global health crisis that has had such a wide-ranging impact on the lives of everyone in Europe.”
In order to continue to serve the sports broadcasting and production community during this time, SVG Europe will now look to produce online video and audio content that will compliment both the Sports OTT Summit 2020 and Sports TV Awards 2020.
This will be made available on, and in the lead-up to, what was the original date of the events, 27 May.
“We hope this will prove to be useful and engaging for everyone and help to continue the momentum we had built up before the crisis,” said SVG Europe editorial director Fergal Ringrose.
A new date for the physical events and further details about the online content will be announced in due course.
SVG Europe chairman Alessandro Reitano added: “It is, of course, disappointing that we have to postpone another event but it will come as no surprise to anyone. We have all seen the devastating effect that this virus has had on Europe. We hope to find another date for the Sports OTT Forum and the Sports TV Awards ceremony later in the year.
“On behalf of SVG Europe, I would like to send our best wishes to everyone affected by this crisis. I would particularly like to thank our sponsors and members for their loyalty and support during what is clearly a very challenging and uncertain time for us all. Please be assured that we are here to help you if and when you need us. Together we will get through this and hopefully, we will all come out the other side stronger for the experience.”