The convention, where 7,000 business travel professionals gather for debate and networking, was meant to take place in Denver on July 25-29 but due to the coronavirus pandemic will now be held from November 7-11.

Organisers warned the date could be pushed back further depending on how quickly the pandemic passes.

“This unprecedented move comes in unprecedented times,” said Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director Scott Solombrino.

“We are all working to ensure the safety of business travellers and their families. We are hopeful that the pandemic will subside on a global level and that we will be able to help travel managers and sponsors determine how best to revive the industry when we meet in November.”

He said the decision to reschedule was taken after several weeks of discussions with officials at the Denver Convention Center.

“We all agreed that there was no way to hold a safe, healthy, and successful conference in July, so we agreed to push the dates out as far as possible in 2020,” said Solombrino.

“We will continue to work with the State of Colorado, City of Denver, the Convention Center and health officials to ensure we can have our Convention in November. Our hope is that the pandemic will pass within the next few months and we will be able to resume our normal activities. But if that is not the case, we may need to push Convention back further.”

Advantage Travel Partnership has also postponed its annual conference, due to be held in Madeira in May. It will now take place on May 21-24 2021.