The event was due to be held by Adaptive Spirit, a not-for-profit trade association that focuses on building business relationships and effective networking practices in the telecommunications industry. 

Every year, the organisation holds an annual event which raises money for the US Paralympic Ski and Snowboard team.

It normally features panels and networking opportunities, with a number of American athletes such as world Para-Nordic and Paralympic gold medallist, Oksana Masters, attending. 

This year's event was due to take place at Vail Ski Resort in Colorado, but has now been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

A virtual silent auction is being held to raise funds instead, with prizes ranging from electronics to outdoor gear. 

The auction is set to directly benefit the team by paying for expenses such as equipment, training and travel. 

The US has more than 135,000 cases of coronavirus, making it the country with the highest number in the world. 

More than 2,000 people have died from the illness there.