While we were all hopeful that COVID-19 related cancellations were starting to wane, the reality for many of the year’s events is starting to set in. NAHBS was really hoping that their decision to postpone this year’s show in Dallas, Texas would allow it to happen. But since cases in Texas are still on the rise and the state is in Phase 3 of their reopening plan, large gatherings are still not permitted.
So rather than try to reschedule again, NAHBS Founder and president Don Walker has made the difficult decision to cancel the show for the year and instead focus on a comeback in 2021. Unable to provide refunds for booth registrations for 2020, NAHBS will be rolling over those registrations to the 2021 show along with a few other perks to try and make up for the challenging situation all the way around.
Don also just proposed the four possible locations and dates for the 2021 show:
- Chicago, IL // Sep 9 – 12 2021
- Hartford, CT // Sep 29 – Oct 3, 2021
- Dallas, TX // Sep 16 – 19, 2021
- Indianapolis, IN // (awaiting dates)
Apparently, NAHBS will be using a survey to decide on what option would be the best for those involved. But the idea that the show will be held next Fall seems pretty concrete for now.
Read the full message sent from Don Walker below:
June 5, 2020
To the NAHBS community,
I hope this note finds you well amidst these challenging and uncertain times.
As you’re well aware, we originally rescheduled NAHBS 2020 from March 15-17 to August 21-23, a change I felt optimistic about. During the past months, I’ve been watching intently how the COVID-19 pandemic is playing out. And I’ve continued to be in close contact with a sampling of exhibitors, sponsors, trade show consultants, show staff, and our contacts at the Convention Center in Dallas.
While Texas is currently in Phase 3 of its “reopening” plan, COVID-19 cases in Dallas are still on the rise. And unfortunately, the Governor hasn’t made any plan to allow large groups and events to take place. With NAHBS scheduled to take place in less than three months – and based on what we currently know and predictions for the summer — we’re making the difficult decision to cancel NAHBS 2020 and focus our efforts on 2021.
Based on the many exhibitors I’ve spoken to, no one wants to be in a large crowd, primarily indoors, this summer. I’ve received similar feedback from the local cycling community in TX. I’m certain that even if we held the show this August, attendance would be extremely low — which none of us want. Throw in the current difficulties of international travel and limited domestic travel, and the challenges of putting on a successful show this summer are insurmountable.
After much consideration and in talking closely with many exhibitors and partners about potential venues and dates for next year’s show, we took note. NAHBS 2021 will be held in the third quarter, and we’re considering other cities for the show.
Why Q3? Being in the 3rd quarter has huge advantages, the highlights being: 1) It offers a better opportunity for more framebuilders to exhibit because they aren’t under the gun for spring deliveries; and 2) It puts us in the old Interbike timeframe that many of us had become accustomed to, during a time when there are no other shows domestically in the USA.
As of now, here are the options we’re considering:
- Chicago, IL // Sep 9 – 12 2021
- Hartford, CT // Sep 29 – Oct 3, 2021
- Dallas, TX // Sep 16 – 19, 2021
- Indianapolis, IN // (awaiting dates)
Next week, we’ll be sending out a survey to get feedback from each and every one of you so we lock in the best location & dates for 2021.
NAHBS isn’t able to offer refunds on booth spaces for the 2020 show. However, we’ll be rolling your registration costs over to 2021 or 2022 and giving you top picks for booth locations. We’ll also be giving you additional promotional and marketing provisions before/during/after the 2021 show that are typically reserved for sponsors. We’ll be diligently working on enhanced show offerings, greater attendance, and new onsite happenings for next year’s show. And in the meantime, we’re working on creating virtual opportunities for 2020, including a YouTube series for framebuilders, among other things. More information will be coming your way soon.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted each and every one of us in ways we never could have never anticipated. I look forward to working with each of you in the months and years ahead, and coming back stronger than before. Thank you for your time, support, and dedication to the craft. And please, stay safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Don Walker
NAHBS, Founder & President
http://www.nahbs.com/
