Physical and financial health impacts
The full impact of Covid-19 on our nation's health is yet to be determined, but the impact on the trade show and conference industry is being felt far and wide as shows and events are scrambling to make the best decisions for the health and safety of the participants.
The effects on the exhibit industry is only a small peek into how the coronavirus is impacting the global economy. From the corporate exhibitor to the hotels, from restaurants and airlines to exhibit suppliers. It will take some time to calculate the cost of lost opportunities as well as the tangible and intangible financial investments that go into creating a successful show.
Do I stay or do I go?
In the wake of shows and conferences canceling while attendees and exhibitors were already en route or on site, many exhibitors, suppliers to the industry and attendees are asking the same question: do I stay home or do I go ahead to the show?
First - if your show is taking place (and many still are!), is your company on a travel ban? Do you believe your health may be compromised by attending? These are questions only you can answer. If you need to cancel, most airlines and hotels are generously refunding and/or waiving rebooking fees during this time.
Second - be sure your show is taking place! Show organizers are doing their best to get the word out as quickly as a decision is made. Check their website and social media often to have the most up to date information. Be sure you understand what they are canceling, and what you are still responsible for canceling or updating. Don't forget to let your suppliers and staff know as soon as possible.
Speaking of up to date information:
Here is a current list of shows that have been canceled, postponed or changed. Where possible, we have provided a link to the show site that may provide further information on cancellation, travel arrangements, refunds and future show dates.
As of this writing, ExhibitorLive, ConExpo and others are going forward as planned, with amplified safety precautions in place.
The following trade shows have been canceled or postponed:
Adobe Summit - virtual. Adobe has canceled the Adobe Summit and Magento Imagine. All registrations will be fully refunded and hotel reservations made through the event will be canceled.
Altitude Intimates - postponed. The intimate apparel show was to take place in Las Vegas later this month. Show organizers are encouraging exhibitors and attendees to contact hotel directly for room cancellations.
AONL - canceled. American Organization for Nursing Leadership was scheduled to take place in Nashville, TN March 18 - 21.
ACS - canceled. American Chemical Society has canceled it's Philadelphia show. No further information on rescheduling for 2020.
E3 - canceled. The world's premier event for computer and video games as well as related product. This three day event was originally scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in June.
ICS West - rescheduled. The largest converged international security show has rescheduled and will now take place in July.
Inspired Home Show - canceled. With an anticipated attendance of over 50,000 professionals from over 130 countries, the International Housewares Association has canceled the largest housewares tradeshow in North America.
McDonald's - virtual. Based on extensive global travel restrictions, input from the World Health Organization and other local and global health ministries, McDonald's has canceled their in-person conference that was scheduled to take place in Orlando this month and is exploring a virtual version of the event.
NAB - canceled. National Association of Broadcaster's had initially announced plans to move forward but as of this writing, the show has canceled.
New England Food Show - postponed. Following Massachusetts Governor Baker declaring a state of emergency, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association postponed their Boston based trade show with expectations of rescheduling later in the year.
NXT Global Summit - canceled.
Seafood Expo - postponed. The 40th edition of the Seafood Expo, was to feature over 25 educational sessions as well as an exhibition floor featuring exhibitors from around the world. Scheduled to be held in Boston this month. Seafood Expo North America/ Seafood Processing North America is North America’s largest seafood exposition.
Forbes has created a "cancellation tracker" a list of cancellations that include tradeshows, conventions, conferences, concerts, tours and public events, and updates this list daily. Click here to visit their site.
Barron's also has a good resource that includes canceled shows, event and activites. Click here.
Additional information on Covid-19 and recommended safety measures can be found on the CDC website.