Cerner moves its annual conference online, canceling one of KC’s largest gatherings
Cerner Corp. will move its annual Cerner Health Conference online this fall, canceling one of Kansas City’s largest annual conventions.
It’s just the latest hit to the region’s tourism and hospitality businesses: Visit KC, the organization that promotes the region’s convention and tourism industry, has tracked 78 meeting and convention cancellations so far.
It estimates those cancellations have cost the local economy more than $137 million as 160,000 collective hotel room nights were lost.
Over the last 30 years, Cerner’s annual conference has grown into one of the city’s biggest annual events. It brings in an estimated 14,000 people, who take over the Kansas City Convention Center and much of downtown for several days each fall.
Cerner officials notified Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas of the decision this week, writing that hosting the event in person would “simply be irresponsible and ill-advised.”
“Certainly, this logic applies to anyone, but the notion of congregating thousands of health care professionals from 20 countries — including many from the metro Kansas City area — simply doesn’t make good sense,” the company wrote to Lucas. “We are very mindful that taking health care professionals away from the frontlines during a potential ‘phase 2’ of the pandemic would be imprudent.”
The annual convention will move to an online format with the company promising “a robust virtual and digital experience for participants.”
“This annual event brings together thousands of health care professionals from around the world to learn about the latest technologies and innovations,” Cerner spokeswoman Misti Preston said in a statement. “We are confident that we will deliver a world class event virtually, while remaining considerate of the health and safety of our associates, clients and the Kansas City community.”
She said Cerner’s First Hand Foundation will donate $100,000 to local charities and has provided more than 17,000 meals to local health care workers and first responders.
“We will continue to consider thoughtful opportunities to care for the communities worldwide that we live and work” in, Preston said.
This story was originally published May 13, 2020 at 12:40 PM.
