In a message to its Facebook followers, High End Society has confirmed rumours that the main event in many a hi-fi fan's calendar has been cancelled due to the continuing threat of the coronavirus.

+++++ The HIGH END 2020, planned for May 14th to 17th, has been cancelled due to the current intensified development regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus. We will keep you in the loop. +++++

High End Munich attracts visitors from around the world, and this year's event was all set to run from May 14th to 17th 2020. Many brands choose the Munich show to present their latest products with many launches taking place at the hi-fi expo.

Stefan Dreischärf, Managing Director of HIGH END SOCIETY Service GmbH, told StereoNET:

We naturally regret having to take this step. But we take our duty of care towards our exhibitors, visitors and employees very seriously.

The official press release sent out after the Facebook announcement goes on to state: Since the rapid spread of the virus in China in mid-January, the organiser of the world‘s largest hi-fi trade show has been weighing the possible consequences for the exhibition planned in May. Each day, the situation was re-assessed by monitoring not only the global spread of the coronavirus but also the international trade show and exhibition scene. At the beginning of February, HIGH END SOCIETY Service GmbH already offered Chinese exhibitors options for withdrawing from their participation in this year’s hi-fi show. Over the past few weeks, the organiser increasingly received inquiries from other companies as to whether the strained situation would have an impact on the HIGH END 2020.

This news is yet another blow to brands and their associated teams as many manufacturers are already feeling the pinch due to the logistics chain breaking down. Over recent weeks, completed products and even parts have been prevented from being transported out of affected areas.

We at StereoNET hope that those planning to show their latest and greatest at High End Munich don't find themselves too hard hit, but we also understand High End Society's stance on this.

We are keeping an eye on developments regarding Chicago's AXPONA that happens in April, the Hong Kong AV show in August and, of course, our own Melbourne-based Home Entertainment Expo that's slated to take place in November.