The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) officially announced today that the “in-person components” of NPE2021 have been cancelled because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event was supposed to take place in Orlando, FL, on May 17 to 21.

In making the announcement, the association said that it “places the health and safety of [its] members, exhibitors, staff, and attendees as its highest priority. After consultation with medical and legal experts, our Officers of the Board, the NPE executive committee, exhibitors, and the association membership, the PLASTICS Board of Directors . . . determined that it is not possible to hold the planned event and also provide a safe environment at that time and location.”

At this time, PLASTICS has not announced whether or not there will be a virtual event or, indeed, if the live event may be rescheduled at a later date. NPE is held every three years, and 2022 is normally a K year.