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Will trade shows come back
Will trade shows come back after the COVID-19 vaccine?
Many people are wondering will trade shows come back to “business as usual” with the COVID-19 vaccine– and if so, when? While almost everyone agrees there will be a “new normal”, smart business managers are doing all they can now to plan for a return to office and all the variables that may involve.
What the COVID-19 Experts Say About Vaccinations and Return to Office
The CDC is working closely with health departments and other partners to prepare for the vaccine’s release, creating guidance for safe distribution, storage, and administration to Americans. It offers this web page, “8 Things to Know About Vaccine Planning”, for insight into what is happening now and what is yet to come.
In September, Healthline interviewed Dr. Fauci and two other infectious disease experts who agreed that normalcy will only return through continued use of masking, hand washing, and social distancing while the vaccine is being distributed, and perhaps beyond. Ugur Sahin, CEO of vaccine creator Pfizer-BioNTech, said life could return to normal by the winter of 2021. And the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) predicts that some employers may require vaccination to return to office.
A Year Filled with Virtual Exhibits and Zoom Calls
No doubt, most of us are eager to get back to the familiar people and places we’ve missed during the pandemic. While Zoom calls have filled a gap, they simply can’t replace the effectiveness of in-person meetings.
Virtual Exhibits, while compelling in their own right, will never replace the value of face-to-face time with our customers. And while the remote-work landscape has evolved and likely changed for good, many yearn for the camaraderie and companionship of our co-workers without screen time.
What to Expect with Return of Trade Shows
Most industry experts say it’s not a matter of if, but when, trade shows will return. For now, it looks like that will happen in the second half of 2021. It’s expected that significant, pent-up demand for trade shows will impact the entire exhibition supply chain. Trade show organizers, having rescheduled or gone virtual in 2020, will compete for the venues and dates they once held.
Bottlenecks in housing, travel/transportation, and dining are likely to occur as multiple shows are held simultaneously or back-to-back. Booth space is expected to sell out rapidly. And everyone impacted by the shutdown, such as caterers, forklift operators, electricians, plumbers, and trade show managers, who were laid off during the pandemic, will be in high demand. Of course, attendee and exhibitor health and safety will be top of mind for everyone involved.
At The Rogers Company, we are very much looking forward to the return of trade shows so our clients can get back to doing what they do best – showing prospects and customers all the solutions they have created for their businesses. The energy and excitement of trade shows can’t be duplicated, and the new sales leads they generate are vital to the exhibitors who have been put on-hold for so long.
Yes, trade shows will come back – in force. When that happens, Rogers is stocked and ready to help with your all your PPE, sanitation and workspace needs. Until then, stay safe, stay healthy – and we’ll see you at the show!