Ontario Construction Report staff writer
How will the COVID-19 pandemic affect The Buildings Show (TBS) in Toronto, scheduled this year from Dec. 2 to 4.
The annual event, combining exhibits, association meetings and gatherings (including the Toronto Construction Association’s annual Christmas Lunch) and seminars and workshops would seem problematic as long as emergency regulations restrict the size of gatherings and travel is difficult and in some cases risky.
In an email to show marketing partners, Amanda Dunn, director of marketing and programming for show operators Informa Connect, gave some clues about how the show will be handled this year.
“I’d love to say we have a clear direction for The Buildings Show this fall but we are a bit on hold; gathering restrictions, vaccine development, travel bans, rising infection rates, etc.,” she wrote.
“At this point we are planning for TBS in December with some modifications. We are looking at a hybrid model and a smaller trade show. There will be a larger online presence including virtual educational sessions and roundtables, a marketplace and networking. Health & Safety measures will also be put into place to allow for social distancing on the show floor, in seminar rooms, enhanced cleaning, new registration protocols, etc.
“We are looking for new and enhanced ways to help our partners by leveraging our new virtual platform.”
She then asked some questions: “How are you holding up so far? Has your business been impacted by COVID-19? Have you launched any new digital initiatives? I’d love to hear your insights and am happy to set-up a time to chat now or when a direction has been cemented towards the end of next month,” she wrote.
