The health and safety of everyone involved with the Toronto Boat Show is our primary concern and has led the contributing factors coming to this decision.
Based on the facts surrounding COVID case #'s, and that the show is almost four months away, we know this is the right decision.
Despite our extensive efforts and multiple plans to provide a safe environment for attendees and exhibitors, we did not feel comfortable proceeding having the current information from public health and case #'s heading into the fall.
Our primary concern has always been safety. Every exhibitor who has worked with us in the past has experienced our culture of prioritizing a safe environment above everything else.
As you are aware from the September 9 newsletter, one of the plans included a COVID FREE Show, where each attendee, exhibitor, supplier and venue staff member would have a Rapid Test prior to entering each day. The concept of creating a "daily bubble" was applauded and well received by Exhibitors. Thank you for your feedback on this! However, it became apparent that the approval of tests by Health Canada and the availability would not meet our timeline or planning standards, even if the show dates were postponed.
We are disappointed for the exhibitors and attendees who were hoping the show would be held; and will now need to wait until 2022. If there is one thing that COVID is teaching us all, it is the value of face to face. The Toronto Show has never been cancelled in its 62-year history.
The next in-person Toronto International Boat Show will be January 21 - 30, 2022.
While large indoor gatherings remain prohibited in Ontario and restrictions are expected to be in place for the foreseeable future, prioritizing sufficient notice to exhibitors was also a factor in our decision.
We have been exploring on-line/virtual options, in place of the in-person 2021 Show. There will be a focus on looking to the future, expanding digital and unifying the in-person experience to deliver even more value to the Toronto Boat Show community.
Details will follow in the coming months on these new initiatives. We will be seeking input from Exhibitors, so please continue to share your thoughts with us!
Attached is the official press release announcing the show's cancellation
We genuinely appreciate your patience throughout this process and unprecedented time.
Thank you for your continued feedback and ideas over the past couple of months. Words written here in a letter do not express how much we have appreciated the conversations with you.
We feel very fortunate to work in this industry, and with so many great supporters who are contributing to help the show navigate COVID-19. We look forward to continuing the dialogue with you as we enter the next phase of our planning.
If you would like to receive a follow-up call to speak with either Cynthia Hare or myself, please let us know and we would be happy to call you.
Thank you
Linda Waddell
President/Show Director
