Two associations representing nurses and equipment manufacturers have canceled upcoming events in Orlando, Fla., as new cases of COVID-19 surge in the state.

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) recently announced it had canceled the in-person portion of Global Surgical Conference & Expo, which was to be held Aug. 7-10 at the Orange County Convention Center. The association is moving forward with the virtual component of the event.

On Wednesday, the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers announced it had canceled the NAFEM Show, with was to be held Aug. 26-28 at the convention center. That event was expected to attract about 10,000 visitors, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

NAFEM didn't say why it canceled its event but the nurses group blamed the surge in COVID cases in Florida, driven by the spread of the delta variant of the virus among the unvaccinated. Public health data collected by The New York Times shows the number of new cases in the state have exploded since early July. Orange County alone is currently averaging more than 1,100 new cases a day.

"At AORN, we were very excited about the conference and are disappointed that we had to make this decision," the association said in a statement. "However, the health and well-being of all attendees, presenters, exhibitors, and our staff is our top priority. Additionally, we do not want to potentially burden Orlando's healthcare system with an influx of almost 5,000 visitors during this public health epidemic."

Orlando is one of the most popular destinations for association trade shows and other meetings. Other upcoming events in August include the Retail Industry Leader Association's Retail Supply Chain Conference, the American Association of Neurological Surgeon's annual meeting and LeadingAge Florida's Annual Convention & Exposition.

Other associations have moved forward with in-person events in other cities. ACA International recently concluded its annual meeting in Las Vegas while the National Confectioners Association held its Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis in July.

MORE CEO DATELINE

• New York City to require proof of vaccination for indoor dining, events
• New trade group says American mask makers face layoffs and closures
• ASAE names 'Power of A' Award winners
• Associations welcome bipartisan infrastructure deal
• National Apartment Association sues to recoup losses from eviction moratorium