Prime Time has cancelled in-person events planned for next month due to new government restrictions aimed at controlling the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

The Canadian Media Producers Association’s annual conference says it now plans to go completely virtual but also start a day early, on Feb. 2, and host an expanded Prime Time virtual opening reception.

Last year’s event was also virtual due to the pandemic. This year the CMPA had originally planned on a hybrid version with online programming, virtual meetings and in-person, pop-up networking events across Canada, which it says are no longer possible “in the current circumstances” after rising COVID-19 cases over the holiday period.

This year’s Prime Time runs through Feb. 11 for delegates in media production, broadcasting, TV and feature film.

Registration is free for the event, which includes the annual Indiescreen Awards and panels and keynotes exploring everything from latest emerging business models, to new government regulations and the impacts of COVID-19.

Pictured (L-R): Reynolds Mastin and former Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault at Prime Time 2020