The violence which erupted in Baltimore following the funeral of 25-year-old Freddie Gray has begun to affect meetings and events in the city.
One of the many groups to cancel is the American Heart Association, which was scheduled to have a conference in Baltimore this week.
"Your safety and well-being are our highest concerns," read a notice sent to attendees late Monday night, shortly after the city's mayor activated the National Guard and imposed a curfew. "After speaking with local authorities, hotel management and the Convention and Visitors Bureau we have decided to cancel the 2015 QCOR conference due to the potential for violence."
The AHA is considering how to handle requests for refunds of registration fees.
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Another group to cancel was the Door Hardware Institute (DHI), which was to hold its CoNEXTions convention in Baltimore this week. A statement sent to attendees read, "The DHI Board of Governors has discussed this issue in great detail this evening, with the overriding concern of the safety of our attendees while at our event in Baltimore. With that primary concern in mind they have unanimously decided to cancel CoNEXTions 2015 in Baltimore."
That statement goes on to explain that there are significant financial ramifications as a result of this decision that will impact not only DHI but exhibitors, attendees, service providers, speakers, and the local economy, including hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, but clerks and waitstaff as well.
"It is not a decision that is taken lightly, but we expect that you would agree that the safety and security of our members and attendees is our highest priority," read the statement.
On Monday night, the Baltimore Orioles postponed its game against the Chicago White Sox at Camden Yards; this morning, the Orioles announced that tonight's game is cancelled as well.