[New York] The global coronavirus pandemic has resulted in either the cancelation or postponement of several major industry trade shows and events in the U.S.
Following is a list of affected markets, conferences and events.
CARE
In consideration of the COVID-19 situation, the CARE 2020 Conference, scheduled for May 12-13 in Portland, Oregon, has been canceled. Given the impact of the pandemic and the need for containment, Robert Peoples, executive director, said the decision was not difficult. All current registrants will be contacted about complete hotel and registration fee reimbursement. A scheduled meeting later this fall either as the annual entrepreneur meeting or a hybrid meeting, likely in late October, is possible.
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CFA
CFA has made the decision to postpone its events for the immediate future. As this situation changes, it said it will reevaluate its event calendar accordingly. Postponements include the social networking event at the Punch Bowl Social Club in Schaumburg and the CFA Annual Golf outing.
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Coverings
Coverings 2020, which was scheduled to take place April 20- 23 in NewOrleans, has been canceled. The move is a preemptive effort to minimize exposure to the COVID-19 virus and is in recognition of, and in full adherence to, federal, state and local requirements that are evolving due to these circumstances. “The health and safety of our exhibitors and attendees are very important show priorities to Coverings,” said Jennifer Hoff, president of Taffy Event Strategies, the management company handling the show. “Given the public health emergency we are currently facing, we believe the only action at this time is for Coverings 2020 to be canceled.” Coverings 2021 is scheduled to take place April 13-16 in Orlando next year.
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FCA Network
The FCA Network 2020 Spring Conference, originally scheduled for April 16-19 at the Ritz Carlton Sarasota in Sarasota, Fla., has been postponed. Olga Robertson, president of the FCA Network, said her group is currently in discussions with the Ritz about rescheduling the event for September 2020. Contact the FCA Network at 779.234.9533 for updates.
FCIF 40th anniversary gala
The Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) is postponing the 40th anniversary gala that was previously scheduled for May 2 at the Rainbow Room in New York City. The event will be rescheduled for spring 2021 in the Rainbow Room. The new date will be forthcoming. Tickets, sponsorships and tables previously purchased will automatically be shifted to the new date. For questions, email Andrea Blackbourn, executive director, at ablackbourn@fcif.org.
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NFA spring conference
Jason McSwain, NFA president, announced that the 2020 spring conference, originally scheduled to take place March 22-26 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, has been rescheduled for May 17-21 at the same location. The NFA board is being cautious with its decisions and actions, keeping the safety and health of its members and vendors in mind. Of course, these dates are subject to change based on ongoing developments and mandates.
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NWFA
Michael Martin, president and CEO of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), announced the cancellation of the 2020 Wood Flooring Expo, which was supposed to take place April 28-30 in Milwaukee. The decision is in keeping with CDC’s recommendation to cancel all large group gatherings scheduled for the next eight weeks. The NWFA will cancel reservations for those who booked rooms through the association’s room block. If reservations were made outside the room block, individuals should contact the hotel directly.
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NeoCon
After consultation with leaders and partners within the commercial design industry, theMART said it has decided cancelling NeoCon 2020 is the best course of action considering the on-going COVID-19 outbreak and the unknown duration for social distancing and other measures. The next NeoCon will be NeoCon June 14-16, 2021.
“We thank all of our NeoCon participants for their loyalty and support, and we look forward to bringing the commercial design community back together in Chicago for NeoCon 2021,” show officials said. “Additional updates, including creative new ways to connect the community in the interim, will be communicated soon.”
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Starnet spring meeting
The Starnet board of directors has decided to cancel its 2020 Starnet annual meeting, which was scheduled for May 14-17, 2020. The decision was made after the Florida governor declared a state of emergency and changes in corporate travel recommendations for manufacturing partners were announced. Starnet will handle all hotel reservation cancellations for pre-registrants. Starnet announced its fall meeting in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 9- 11, is scheduled to take place as planned. “Starnet remains committed to helping our preferred vendor partners and service providers adjust to have a successful 2020,” said Mark Bischoff, president and CEO. Members may email any reservation questions to meetings@starnetflooring.com.
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