Mark Zuckerberg announced today that Facebook will cancel any large physical events with more than 50 people through June 2021. Some will be held as virtual events, but Facebook has not yet shared specifics. Zuckerberg also said the company will extend its policy of no business travel through at least June of this year, and it will require “the vast majority” of its employees to work from home through at least the end of May.
Facebook already canceled this year’s F8 developers conference, which was scheduled for May 5th and 6th. Today’s announcement means that F8 won’t take place (at least in person) next year either. It looks like Oculus Connect, which typically happens in September, will be canceled, and GDC 2020, which Facebook said it would not attend, has been canceled as well.
“When society does eventually start re-opening, it will have to open slowly in staggered waves to make sure that the people who are returning to work can do so safely and that we minimize the possibility of future outbreaks,” Zuckerberg wrote in his post.
Much of Oculus Connect is already streamed online, but the show is also a chance for press and developers to check out prototype hardware and new games and apps. Facebook is extending its “no business travel” policy through June 2021 as well, so it’s doubtful it would even ask smaller groups to come see hardware. As for the rest, “we look forward to sharing more details about the digital event in the coming months.”
