announcement BABSCon 2020 Cancelled due to COVID-19

[Feather Data 131]

I have some rather unfortunate news to bring out. Due to this annoying pandemic of COVID-19 BABSCon 2020 is now officially cancelled.

 

https://www.equestriadaily.com/2020/03/babscon-2020-is-canceled-due-to-covid.html#more

 

Quote from the staff:

As a community organization, we have an obligation to promote safety in all our activities. Given the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it is with a heavy heart that we’re canceling our BABSCon 2020 event in accordance with State and local government requirements.

 

We are, however, returning for BABSCon 2021 on Easter weekend, April 2–4, 2021, at our traditional venue, the Hyatt Regency SFO. But we need your help to ensure that, so we’re asking all of you to take just a small leap of faith to support us.

 

We're automatically transferring all 2020 memberships to 2021 to make it as easy as possible for you to join us then. You won’t need to do a thing! But, if you can't make it next year, then you can make other arrangements such as transferring your registration to someone else, opting for a Spirit Badge, or requesting a refund. Please email us at registration@babscon.com by June 1 with any refund requests.

 

All of our 2020 vendors, community guests, musicians, and panelists are also guaranteed their spots for BABSCon 2021 if they want to stick with us.

 

Additionally, all of our 2020 Guests of Honor—Nicole Oliver, Daniel Ingram, Grey DeLisle, Vincent Tong, Peter New, Josh Haber, Gail Simone, Andy Price, Jeremy Whitley, plus a couple we didn’t have the chance to announce yet!—have already committed to attend BABSCon 2021.

 

If you can, please consider donating to our two amazing charities who put in a lot of work to help us plan fun events for BABSCon 2020. With the loss of the donations we would have been able to make this Easter, they could really use your help!

 

 

People say BABSCon 2021 will be a go, but I am not entirely sure. COVID-19 has been causing havoc on our fandom lately.

I am also not sure if refunds are possible now. But if you purchased a ticket, be sure to ask registration. 

I really hope BABSCon 2021 does happen, and even 2022 and beyond.
 

Edited March 18, 2020 by Feather Data

[Ganondorf8 11,301]

It's causing a problem for most things and not just this fandom. They are doing what they must in order to ensure the public's safety.

[Dark Qiviut 22,396]

BABSCon did the right thing. Having it take place during the growth of a pandemic is extremely dangerous. No way they can have it this year and be sure everyone will be safe.

[Feather Data 131]

Yea, but chances are 2021 will be cancelled as well.

Why not just end the con?

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,457]

No surprises here. COVID is shaking most of the planet at this point. Still a shame to hear, but I expected nothing less at this point.

[Feather Data 131]

But, some conventions need to be done in sequential order to stay up and running.

Unless some how they make more than enough money to keep up with contract costs for the following years.

Edited March 18, 2020 by Feather Data

[Varrack 1,080]

I was going to go. This is sad, but the right move.

[Feather Data 131]

Right, but as I said, chances are this pandemic may alter our fandom forever and in the future

[Steve Piranha 29,424]

Damn, the CCP virus is serious business 

[Denim&Venöm 18,903]

In addition to OPs post, the vendors of the con have also take a hard hit. So if you can, do chip in and buy some swag and merch from them. They'd really appreciate it. 

 

https://www.babscon.com/2020/vendors

[Rarity Gemstones 201]

A very wise and moral decision by the staff's part. I applaud this.