The National Restaurant Association (NRA) has announced it is canceling its 2020 show, which was to be held at McCormick Place, Chicago, from May 16-19, 2020, due to coronavirus concerns.
This is just the latest in a long list of events in the global foodservice calendar to be canceled or postponed due to the virus, including Camp FCSI – The FCSI The Americas Division’s biennial conference. But of upmost importance to all concerned is the safety of exhibitors and visitors alike as the number of cases and deaths in countries across the globe continues to rise.
Critical importance
The decision to cancel the NRA Show was made following a statewide order for Illinois residents to stay in their homes on March 21, which also requires businesses to cease all but essential operations.
“We recognize the critical importance of the show to the industry and we know that this will come as a disappointment to those who had planned for months to attend,” said NRA interim president and CEO, Marvin Irby and Winsight CEO, Mike Wood in a joint statement to the industry.
“While it is not the outcome we wanted, amid all the uncertainty around the Covid-19 pandemic and the immense strain it has put our industry, the safety of our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, vendor partners and our own staff is paramount. This is our community and we all must be kept safe.”
The organizers are now looking ahead to 2021, where they trust the industry will partner with them in making the best NRA Show yet.
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Liz Cooley
