NAFEM announces new dates and location for show in 2021

Show organizers forced to move to August 2021 and relocate to Orlando in the wake of Covid-19, reports Liz Cooley

The NAFEM Show 2021 – originally due to take place in February in New Orleans – will now take place from August 26-28 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The change in date and location were decided in response to business issues arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“While we considered canceling the show outright, the board was unanimous in its belief that canceling the show was not in the best interest of our industry. Waiting four years to be front-facing in a focused equipment and supplies forum was too long to wait,” said Rob Connelly, president of NAFEM and president and CEO of Henny Penny Corporation.

“Orlando has the space, hotel package, safety measures, infrastructure and resources to partner with us to ensure a successful experience for our exhibitors and attendees.”

Supported and safe

Business leaders have also put together The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, a 44-member group including representatives from various industries focused on re-opening Orlando. Five working groups will help ensure businesses across the tourism and hospitality industry are able to reopen in a supported and safe manner.

With the change in dates and location, the contract for exhibit space opens in February 2021, contracts and deposits will be due in March, and the space selection will take place in April. Related timelines for space selection are being finalized and will be communicated soon.

“I am grateful to the board, our 2021 show chair Deron Lichte, CFSP, Food Warming Equipment; vice chair Steve Spittle, CFSP, Middleby/Pitco; and the NAFEM headquarters and show teams for their counsel and guidance as we navigated this change. We look forward to a successful show for all next August,” concluded Connelly.

Liz Cooley

 

 

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