Insurance industry events are being cancelled further into the second half of the year as the coronavirus outbreak escalates, with Community Broker Network (CBN) and Ausure announcing that they are suspending their conferences.

Steadfast-owned CBN, which had planned to meet from August 16-18 in Alice Springs, says it is exploring options to reschedule and is also looking at possibilities for a “virtual online experience” this year.

“This has not been an easy decision to make because it is an event that we all look forward to,” GM Strategic Partners and & Investments David McKinnis says in a note. “However, it’s one we must make keeping the wellbeing and safety of our community to the forefront.”

Ausure, which has more than 330 authorised representatives, has postponed a convention in Adelaide planned for September 3-5, until next year.

“With so much uncertainty in regard to travel, social distancing, public gatherings and government-enforced restrictions, it is impossible to plan for future events with certainty,” Event Co-ordinator Allison Johnson says in an advisory email.

The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has postponed the Melbourne gala lunch at the end of May, which was due to be held in conjunction with the Underwriting Agencies Council expo, which has also been cancelled.

Workshops scheduled as part of NIBA’s mentoring program have been suspended, with participants encouraged to catch up via phone and video.

Other events that have been cancelled include the Steadfast Convention in Perth, which was due to start yesterday and the Insurance Council of Australia Annual Forum that was planned for last Wednesday.

The Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC) has rescheduled its Cyber Terrorism Research and Insurance Seminar from this month to November 12, while Insurtech Australia has postponed events to mid-May.