A series of tragic natural disasters across the Americas have forced decisive and often heroic action from the exhibition industry.
The Miami International Auto Show, scheduled from 9-17 September at the Miami Beach Convention Center, was cancelled due to Irma, a Category 5 storm threatening the region. “It marks the first time in 47 years that the Auto Show has been cancelled,” said Cliff Ray, show coordinator. “It’s important at this time that our community focus all of its energies on providing assistance to those impacted by this monster storm.”
Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, meanwhile, was set to host Urban Expositions and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, but this event postponed its run from 10-12 September to 11-13 October.
Devastating hurricanes in Texas in late August also caused industry disruption, and forced a 1,000-strong crowd to form a makeshift shelter in the George R. Brown Convention Centre, Houston, to provide refuge from the serious flooding in the area caused by Tropical Storm Harvey.
Elsewhere, the sixth Texas Contemporary Art Fair, which was scheduled to open on 19 October at the George R. Brown Convention Center with 65 international exhibitors, was cancelled.
More recently, Puerto Rico was hit by storms. Meet Puerto Rico president & CEO Milton Segarra said he and his colleagues and partners were safe.
Finally, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Mexico City and surrounding states on 19 September, prompting FESPA to postpone the 10th edition of FESPA Mexico, with new dates to be confirmed soon. Neil Felton, CEO, FESPA said: “This decision has been taken, not only to respect the City of Mexico, but to also ensure the safety of all visitors and exhibitors. We want to thank all our stakeholders for their understanding, and send our sincere condolences to the Mexican people and wish them strength to overcome this difficult period.”
