The organisers of FlightSimExpo have stepped up their response to the COVID-19 pandemic today, with news that the event will now either be postponed or cancelled, in a decision that staff are leaving up to registered attendees of the June 10-12 event.

Online alternatives to the conference are being discussed, though this will require a level of community interest to make a reality.

The organisers closed registrations for FSExpo 2020 earlier today, a pause which will remain in effect until a decision is made.

March 10th marked the first time FlightSimExpo publicly commented on the likelihood of the novel coronavirus affecting their event, citing the Southern Nevada Health District's advice which gave the area a low risk as a reason to continue preparations, though with elements added in order to combat the spread of COVID-19.

15 days later, Clark County, which encompasses the entirety of Las Vegas, has 249 cases of the virus - 6 residents have sadly passed away.

An information sheet provided by the Expo's organisers says "The safety of our attendees, exhibitors, and partners remains paramount, as does being community-driven in our decision-making."

"Based on recent developments in Las Vegas and around the world, it is no longer possible to run FlightSimExpo 2020 as originally planned."

Attendees and partners will now be polled via email as to whether they would like to either postpone or cancel this year's event.

Whether or not FSExpo 2020 goes ahead, the organisers have confirmed that all participants will have the opportunity to cancel their registration and to get a full refund. Likewise all bookings at the event's venue, the Tropicana Hotel, may be cancelled for free if they were made using the event's special booking link. Further information on refunds will be provided in the coming days.

Today's decision appears to be based on feedback received on the event's official Twitter account following public criticism from Parallel42 developer Edson Soriano and YouTube personality Pete "Frooglesim" Wright, who took issue with the Expo promoting attendee registration in the face of a global pandemic.

You can find an updated version of FlightSimExpo's COVID-19 response document here. Note: the second page of the document is an archival version of the one published on March 10th and has no bearing on today's announcement.