Microsoft’s MVP Summit switches to virtual event amid coronavirus concerns

Microsoft today announced that its upcoming MVP Summit will now be an online-only virtual event. The move comes as concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the U.S. continue to grow. The event is still scheduled to take place from March 16 through 20.

Microsoft began alerting attendees through an email sent out today. From Microsoft:

In light of recent developments globally and the growing concerns around the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Microsoft has made the decision that this year’s MVP / Regional Director Summit will be an online-only / virtual event. It will be scheduled for the same week (Mar 16-20).

The MVP Summit’s shift to an online-only event comes amid the cancellation of several large events across the tech industry. Notably, Mobile World Congress was cancelled in February. GDC was also postponed after several companies announced plans to skip the event.

The move also comes as concern has grown in the U.S. about the spread of the COVID-19 virus. New cases have appeared across the country, and six deaths have been reported so far in Washington.

As of today, there’s no word on whether Microsoft has plans to cancel its Build 2020 developer conference in May.