Cisco has decided to postpone its annual Cisco Live U.S. event, due to start today and run through tomorrow, in light of what the company called “this tragic moment in our history” – the deaths of George Floyd and others and the resulting social unrest. New dates later this month will be announced “in the next few days,” according to Cisco Chairman and CEO Chuck Robbins.
“In light of all we see going on in the world and in the United States, including feedback from some of you, we don’t believe the time is right to host an event in the middle of this tragic moment in our history,” reads in part a statement posted on Cisco’s website. “Our hope is that we use this time to process, heal, and define the actions we will take as organizations and individuals to make a difference and move forward towards a better, more inclusive world.”
“Right now, people across the U.S. and the world are dealing with so much pain, frustration, and anger. And many of us need time for space and healing,” added Robbins in an accompanying video. “Whether it is to support your families, friends, and colleagues or simply time for yourself, we want to give you space this week to do what you need to do within your own organizations and communities.”
Robbins also said that Cisco will donate $5 million to charities that combat racism and discrimination.
Cisco Live is an annual conference event the company hosts for key customers and media to review Cisco initiatives, unveil new technology, offer training, and interact with the marketplace. The event has traditionally included an exhibition floor in which Cisco partners could highlight and discuss their complementary technologies. Cisco transformed the live event to a virtual experience in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
More information can be found on the Cisco Live website.
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.