Facebook Cancels In-Person F8 Developer Conference Over Coronavirus Fears
Facebook scraps the physical gathering for its annual F8 developer conference due to the COVID-19 outbreak, opting for live-streamed and local events instead.
Facebook cancels the in-person component of its annual F8 developers conference due to growing concerns about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The company states that it refuses to sacrifice the health and safety of its global developer community, leading to the cancellation of the physical event originally scheduled for San Jose, California.
Instead of the massive physical gathering, Facebook plans to connect with developers through local events, video presentations, and live-streamed content. Company director Konstantinos Papamiltiadis explains that hosting an inclusive event feels impossible without international developers in attendance, especially as global travel restrictions and health risks escalate.
To mitigate the impact of this cancellation, Facebook donates $500,000 to tech diversity organizations and promises an alternative F8-inspired experience for local students. This decision follows the recent cancellation of Mobile World Congress and occurs as other major tech events, like the Game Developers Conference, face similar uncertainties regarding the spreading virus.