No ‘major exhibit cancellations’ at ConExpo

With the Conexpo show due to begin on Tuesday 10 March and global cases of coronavirus continuing to rise, the organisers of the event have stated that the show will continue and that there have been no major exhibit cancellations.

The construction show, held every three years in Las Vegas, US, has reported that the numbers for advanced registration have exceeded the 2017 figures, with more than 130,000 delegates expected to attend.

In a statement on the Conexpo website the event organisers have written, “Most of our top exhibitors have been onsite for weeks moving in equipment and setting up their booth space.

“These exhibitors have been following the move-in schedule protocols and we anticipate all exhibitors will be moved in and ready for the shows’ opening day on Tuesday, March 10. Cancellations have been limited to China-based companies without US operations.”

There will be significant implications for the show, however, with some major OEMs and rental companies imposing travel restrictions on their staff and limiting attendance by employees outside North America. At least one press conference by a major OEM scheduled to take place has been cancelled. 

Some attendees from China, Italy and Korea are said to have cancelled attending the event.

Show management has also arranged for ‘No Handshake’ buttons and stickers to be distributed at the show. In addition, large signage will be visible throughout the show to remind everyone of hygiene best practices and guidelines provided by the Center for Disease Control.

The event organisers added that they have been in contact with the Southern Nevada Health District and they have been assured that there are no known cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the area.

Many events and shows have been cancelled or postponed recently due to the rapid spread of coronavirus, such as the SaMoTer 2020 construction equipment exhibition in Verona, Italy.

Anyone feeling sick is advised to stay at home.