It is the first time in the event’s 34-year history that it’s been canceled. Austin mayor Steve Adler today announced that the festival will no longer be taking place.

The decision will almost certainly be a harsh blow to the city’s economy. Last year, the festival made $ 355.9 million for the city of Austin.

The company that organizes SXSW has yet to detail its refund policies. Yet the festival may end up taking place in some form or another later this year.

Please read our full statement on SXSW 2020. Here’s an update on the SXSW next year. Follow the full statement here.

For weeks leading up to the event, there were growing concerns about whether it was a smart decision for Austin to host SXSW. The situation became more complicated as us coronavirus cases began spiking in Washington state, where there have so far been at least 11 reported deaths.

A petition on the website Change.org calling for the festival’s cancellation amassed more than 55,000 signatures. High-Profile speakers like Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey pulled out ahead of the announcement.

Sony, Universal, and Warner music have advised employees not to travel to the festival. All companies cited health concerns and internal company policies related to nonessential travel restrictions.

‘personal hygiene is of critical importance,’ says Austin public health organizers.’we hope that people follow the science, implement the recommendations of public health agencies, and continue to participate in the activities that make our world connected. That’s our plan’.

The company also shared a statement on Twitter the same day. It also shared an FAQ detailing its responses to various public concerns.

Please keep up with information around our response to covid-19 at our covid-19 attendee information page page..

On Tuesday, the conference even announced additional keynote speakers, including actors Chris Evans and Kumail Nanjiani. On Tuesday’s conference even included additional keynotes, including Chris Evans.

Kumail Nanjiani, Chris Evans, Emily v. Gordon and more keynotes and featured speakers for # SXSW 2020!.