In an unprecendented move, two of the industry’s most recognised trade shows have made a move to either cancel or postpone their shows amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Yesterday evening, JPMA Board of Directors unanimously decided to cancel The JPMA Show, scheduled for 1st and 2nd April in Dallas. In a statement released to exhibitors and attendees, they stated:

” This decision was made based on current CDC guidelines related to mass gatherings, to ensure the well-being of all show attendees, and in response to the many exhibiting companies that have called on us to take this action. JPMA has been working for months to bring The JPMA Show to life, and we’re disappointed to have to cancel after fully planning an event that would deliver great value to the industry. That said, we will continue to move forward with key elements of the show, including:

• A robust virtual effort around the JPMA Innovation Awards judging and announcement
• Distribution of media swag bags and digital press kits to registered media
• Virtual panel discussions and educational content.”

This morning, Harrogate International Nursery Fair, which was due to take place at the Harrogate Convention Centre from 29^th to 31^st March 2020, has been postponed. The organisers have been following government guidelines and advice relating to the Coronavirus epidemic closely, and together with key stakeholders decided that it is not in the best interests of participants for the event to go ahead.

The new show date for Harrogate International Nursery Fair is 14^th to 16^th June 2020.

Robert Anslow, managing director, explained: “The seriousness of coronavirus is unprecedented and whilst the government has not yet taken measures to ban large scale events in the UK; we believe that the risks associated with going ahead with the show are too great. We are concerned with the health and well-being of everyone involved and will therefore postpone the event until June.”

Adrian Sneyd, show organiser, adds: “Obviously, postponing Harrogate has been a major decision, but we have fortunately managed to secure a space at the Harrogate Convention Centre for the show to move to June. We hope that by this time, the epidemic will be under control and business will once again be able to continue as usual.

The show in June will replicate the planned March event – including the Party Night – and more details of this will be available as soon as possible. Please refer to the website at www.nurseryfair.com for updates and news.