IBM has announced that it is withdrawing from the upcoming RSA security conference that is due to be held in San Francisco between February 24-28. The organisers behind the event have since put out a statement saying they respect the decision but still plan to proceed as scheduled.
At this point, the number of individuals who have cancelled their registration for the event stands at 0.79% of the total number expected, this figure includes IBM. Of the exhibitors, eight have decided to withdraw from the event. If too many decide not to attend, the conference could be cancelled like MWC.
The organisers of the event tried to re-assure attendees by explaining the health and safety measures that have been put in place for the event. Registration counters and floors will be continuously disinfected throughout the day, disinfectant wipes will be offered at check-in counters and in each session room for the speaker computers and microphones, hand sanitization stations and disinfectant wipes will be placed near each touch screen interactive campus map and wayfinding station, and shuttle buses will carry hand sanitizer pumps, wipes will be given out at the shuttle information desk in the Moscone Center, and shuttle bus armrests will be wiped down four times per day.
Unlike MWC which was going to be held in Spain, the RSA Conference will take place in the USA. There is a travel ban on foreign nationals coming from China to the U.S., this will go some way into ensuring the safety of those who risk going to the event.