Every year for the last 38 years, photographers of all skill levels—from beginning enthusiasts to seasoned professionals—and from various genres and disciplines have come together to discover the latest photographic innovations, gear and talent at PHOTOPLUS, known as the largest photography show in North America. This year, however, the show’s parent company, Emerald, has decided to cancel the show’s in-person event, originally slated for September 30-October 2, until next year.

A press release announcing the decision cited growing concerns related to the pandemic’s COVID-19 virus and its variants as well as travel restrictions imposed by the company. These restrictions that would prevent many attendees and exhibitors alike from gathering at the Javits Center in New York, where the show has taken place each fall, to experience PHOTOPLUS, which has hosted people from over 70 countries around the world.

[Read: WPPI 2021 “Packs a Punch” as Community Gathers for First Time in 18 Months]

“While the decision to cancel is a disappointing one, we recognize the extreme demands that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on establishments, and particularly small businesses, in this industry,” the press release reads. “It is of the utmost importance to our entire team that we deliver an incredible event experience to our attendees when we are once again able to meet in person. Our team is already laying plans for a revamped and revitalized PHOTOPLUS, all the while bringing back your favorite brands, the energy you expect from a live event, and exciting new elements.”

A self-described optimist, Show Director Joe Kowalsky stated that the PHOTOPLUS team is already working to delivering a show in 2022 that “is poised to provide greater value to our audience than we ever had before, while being given the opportunity to imagine a new dynamic experience reflective of what visual storytelling is today.”

[Read: The Wedding School Joins Rangefinder+WPPI as Part of Emerald’s Photo Group]

In the last year, the PHOTOPLUS team responded to the developments of the pandemic and its damaging effects on the industry by providing a free digital education platform for photographers year-round. Relaunched as PHOTOPLUS Learning Lens last month, the content channel hosts a veritable array of photography classes and has recently rolled out a series of live sessions. So far, viewers have learned why and who to pitch the media with PetaPixel editor-in-chief Jaron Schneider as well as how to join the world of NFTs with photographer and artist Regina Wamba. Next up: creating cinemagraphs using Photoshop with Chris Converse (September 14, 12:30 p.m. EDT) and freelancing in photojournalism with Tom Brenner (September 21, 12:30 p.m. EDT).

[Read: PHOTOPLUS Launches Learning Lens, a Free Content Channel for Photographers]

The show is part of Emerald’s photo group, comprising Rangefinder, WPPI, The Wedding School, Sue Bryce Education and The Portrait Masters.