The U.S. Apple Association will shift its Outlook 2020 Conference to a virtual event, still held Aug. 20–21. 

The conference is typically held in Chicago. Under the city and state reopening plans, a conference of the Outlook’s size would likely still be prohibited in August, according to a USApple news release.

On May 5, the Illinois governor and Chicago mayor released their five-phase reopening plans. In both plans, gatherings of more than 50 people are not permitted until Phase 5, which begins only once a COVID-19 vaccine or highly effective treatment is widely available.

In addition, USApple decided it was better to avoid jeopardizing the health and safety of attendees and their families. The association hopes to use this opportunity to create engaging content that will broaden the conference’s reach to a larger, virtual audience, according to the release.

Registration information will be emailed during the first week of June. USApple’s website is www.usapple.org. 

—Matt Milkovich