The Egg & Poultry Industry Conference (EPIC) scheduled for November 2021 will go ahead as a virtual conference this year.
Caution over potential social distancing rules in Wales, where the event is held annually at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, influenced this reluctant decision by the committee in their latest meeting in March.
Instead, it has been agreed that this year EPIC will be run as a virtual event, with the organising committee planning to make use of digital technology to reach as broad an audience as possible.
EPIC usually consists of a pre-conference drinks reception and buffet dinner, a full day conference, and a banquet.
Howard Birley, EPIC’s secretary, said if social distancing rules were still in place, it would be hard for delegates to make the most of the social events that accompany the conference.
“Although we would love to hold an in-person event, we’ve decided to use a different format this year to ensure as many people as possible can join us,” said Howard Birley. “We aim to hold a conference at Celtic Manor in 2022 when we can be sure restrictions are lifted and everybody can have the full EPIC experience.”
Further details about the format and speakers will be announced in due course.