Editor’s Note: This is a reprint of the cancellation statement of the 2020 Nation Hardware Show.
Over the last few months, the National Hardware Show (NHS) has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on members of the global hardware and home improvement community. Originally slated to open its doors in May, the Show was postponed to September. However, as we continue to make the safety of everyone at NHS our top concern, and looking at the continued impact of COVID-19 on our customers and industry, NHS has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event. Instead of an in-person experience, NHS plans to host a virtual trade show dedicated to providing education and support that recognizes and addresses the direct and essential needs of the hardware industry, later in the year.
“The hardware industry has been greatly impacted by the global pandemic and hundreds of our international exhibitors have been forced to cancel their plans to participate in NHS due to market conditions and continued travel restrictions”, said Randy Field, Group Vice President, Reed Exhibitions in a statement. “At the NHS we pride ourselves on being the leading industry gathering place and while we recognize and appreciate how important the Show is to the community, we believe it is the right decision to transition it to a virtual experience for 2020. Following the May postponement, we prioritized making NHS Connects the place for the hardware and home improvement community to come together to source information. It will soon be where connections, direct appointment setting, and virtual product showcases will debut. We will also be adding a virtual tradeshow component to this digital platform that enables networking and we look forward to utilizing that platform to allow business to continue. We seek to encourage attendees, exhibitors and all of the NHS community to explore the platform and utilize it until we meet again in person in 2021.”
“Our entire team is dedicated to supporting all of our customers and partners,” Rich Russo, Industry Vice President, National Hardware Show said in a statement. “We are passionate about providing new options such as NHS Connects and look forward to continuing business virtually and creating innovative experiences for when we can hold an in-person event in 2021. We are re-imagining the entire physical trade show, so look forward to new initiatives, new pavilions and neighborhoods, and a complete transformation of NHS for 2021.”
For the most up-to-date information and details for the 2020 National Hardware Show Virtual Event, please visit www.nationalhardwareshow.com.
See also: How To Create Authentic Connections With Customers During COVID-19