Trade shows across the U.S. continue to be affected by COVID-19. While some shows are seeing success with in-person events, others are being postponed or cancelled altogether. Even though safety still remains the number one priority, one detail remains certain: retailers and wholesalers prefer in-person gatherings to see new products and place orders.
There is no denying that digital events have been successful while replacing live experiences in 2020, but as more organizations find safe ways to conduct business in person, they are seeing the benefits that come with it. For example, OFFPRICE saw huge success with their Orlando Market on February 9-11. Taking place in the Orange County Convention Center, the show was organized with health and safety as a priority, in response to fashion retailers’ and buyers’ demand for an in-person trade show to support a return to business. OFFPRICE saw millions of dollars worth of transactions that took place over the course of the three days.
Unfortunately, not all organizations are seeing progress like OFFPRICE during these troubling times. The Denver Mart announced that as of March 31, they will be closing their doors to public access and will be open by appointment only. They are taking direction from the CDC for preventive measures for staff, tenants, and showroom guests, and they also ask that all guests wear a mask when visiting the location. Hopefully this is just a temporary change until COVID-19 eases up, which is likely to be soon with vaccinations happening across the country.
Over the next few months, there have been some changes with trade shows regarding when and where they will be taking place. Here are some of the most recent changes and which shows will be going on, but remember to frequently check the organization’s website for the most up-to-date information:
Reimagine Home Furnishings Market – June 5-9, 2021
After hosting a successful fall 2020 event, and moving their spring dates from April to June to allow for the disruptions of the past year to ease, the Reimagine Home Furnishings Market is confident and optimistic as they prepare to greet their guests in June. The market will adhere to the same safety guidelines practiced in most public spaces such as mask wearing, and any changes to safety guidelines will be announced on their website.
For more information, visit www.highpointmarket.org.
Trans World’s Annual Halloween & Attractions Show – May 6-9, 2021
Rescheduled from March to May, the Halloween & Attractions Show opens for business May 6-9, 2021 at the America’s Center in downtown St. Louis. They are working hard to run the show in accordance with the current COVID guidelines from the CDC, the State of Missouri, the City of St. Louis, America’s Center, and their hotel and vendor partners. Guidelines may change, so be sure to frequently review the “Health and Safety” page on their website for updates.
For more information, visit www.haashow.com.
Licensing Expo – August 10-12, 2021
Licensing Expo will take place live and in-person at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 10-12. Accompanying the tradeshow is an online event, which will be held two weeks later on August 24-25. The Expo has seen the need to meet and connect face-to-face, but they also realize that the convenience of an online event setting is also useful to the business of brand licensing. The in-person event will be organized in accordance with Informa’s AllSecure health and safety standards designed to ensure all participants can attend events safely and with confidence.
For more information, visit www.licensingexpo.com.
Las Vegas Market – April 11-15
Originally scheduled for January of this year, International Market Centers is opening their Las Vegas Market, with an expected strong attendance based on their pre-registration numbers. Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western U.S., presenting 4,000+ gift, home décor and furniture resources in an unrivaled market destination. Las Vegas Market features thousands of gift, furniture and home décor lines, allowing for cross-category commerce among these industries.
For more information, visit www.lasvegasmarket.com.
The Inspired Home Show – March 5-8, 2022
As state restrictions prohibiting large gatherings remain in effect for the foreseeable future, and government travel restrictions continue to significantly impede domestic and international travel, the International Housewares Association’s Board of Directors have made the difficult but necessary decision that The Inspired Home Show 2021, scheduled to take place Aug. 7-10, 2021 at McCormick Place in Chicago, cannot proceed as planned and has been rescheduled to March 5-8, 2022 at the same complex.
For more information, visit www.theinspiredhomeshow.com.