The National Postal Forum, the mailing and shipping industry’s largest annual conference, won’t be held this year.
USPS and the National Postal Forum organization announced the cancellation this week, citing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health authorities that have recommended no large gatherings in the United States during the next two months because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The conference, also known as NPF, was slated to be held from April 26-29 in Orlando, FL. The annual meeting draws hundreds of attendees and features presentations and panel discussions with Postal Service leaders, mailing and shipping workshops, professional development courses, and a hall featuring exhibitors who display their products and services.
In a message to Postal Service employees, Marketing Vice President Steve Monteith explained that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution and thanked those who helped plan the event.
“Whether it was customer outreach, content development, logistical support or any of the thousands of tasks it takes to effectively put on an event like the forum, I thank you. As we look forward, continue to work with our customers and vendors to offer them outstanding service and solutions, especially during these trying times,” Monteith wrote.
In a statement on its website, the NPF organization said it will provide participants with information on the cancellation of registrations, exhibition space, sponsorships and advertising.
“We ask for your understanding and patience. We will provide these updates with additional details in the coming weeks,” the organization wrote.
The organizers also asked participants to save the date for the 2021 NPF, which is scheduled to be held from May 2-5 in Nashville, TN.