SAN ANTONIO – The Southwest Meat Association’s (SMA) 64^th annual Convention and Suppliers Showcase, scheduled for July 23-25 in San Antonio, has shifted from an in-person conference to a virtual event, according to a July 2 post on the association’s Facebook page. The virtual event will be held July 23-24 with details to be emailed to SMA members.

The decision to cancel the in-person event was the result of Mayor Ron Nirenberg of San Antonio signing an addendum to his Emergency Health Declaration ordering expanded safety requirements for businesses in the city. The extension included prohibiting gatherings of more than 100 people in light of the ongoing threat posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the recent increase in positive cases in the state of Texas. On June 30, 2020,

The convention is the latest to join a long list of industry events that have been canceled or postponed due to the pandemic.

“We ask that you bear with us during this time as we are currently working on the logistics of planning a great virtual experience that will allow members to hear from high quality, relevant speakers and still engage with one another,” event organizers from SMA said it its post.