DALLAS (BRAIN) — Organizers of the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, originally scheduled for later this month in Dallas, have postponed the show to late August because of concerns about the COVID-19 virus outbreak.
Show founder Don Walker sent an email to exhibitors and other partners on Monday, telling them he was considering canceling or postponing the event.
"After the email went out yesterday, we had a rush of support for postponing the show," Walker told BRAIN. "Prior to that, we had lost four overseas exhibitors and most of the Italians had asked over the weekend if we had a contingency plan as travel from Italy was going to present problems. All three of the exhibitors from China were forced to cancel as well as Japan," he said.
Walker announced Tuesday the show will be shifted to August 21-23, still at Dallas' Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Move in date for exhibitors will be Thursday, August 20.
"As I sit here watching the news, there is nothing positive about the state of the world in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Its grasp on the planet is ever strengthening as it continues to spread globally, including Europe, Asia, and now here in the USA," Walker told exhibitors in an email Tuesday. "Based on current news reports and travel restrictions, and in talking to many NAHBS exhibitors, media, and partners over the past week, I've made the difficult decision to postpone NAHBS and reschedule this year's show. As a global show that attracts people from all parts of the world, and in evaluating the current variables and public health risks, I feel this is in everyone's best interest."
He said exhibitor booth space purchased for the March show dates will be carried over to the August dates. "We'll provide each exhibitor a new contract reflecting new show dates in the coming days," he said.
"This was an extremely hard decision to make, as I know we've all been preparing throughout the winter and early spring for this gathering of our industry. I understand all of the sacrifices and expenses that have been incurred and understand the inconvenience of this situation for everyone. But my primary priority is to protect the health and safety of our amazing community and feel postponing the show is in our best interest.
"I'm praying diligently that everyone in our industry remains safe and healthy, and I look forward to seeing everyone in August. Thank you for your patience and understanding," he wrote in an email.
