The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA) announced today that they’ve decided to cancel the 2020 Summer NeedleArts Trade Show scheduled for May 27-31 in Cleveland, Ohio due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an email sent to members, TNNA board president Courtney Kelley of Kelbourne Woolens explained that the health and safety of the community is the organization’s top priority. Increased travel advisories and government health warnings also contributed to the organization’s decision.
“It goes without saying that this is a decision that was not entered into lightly, especially in this highly complex, quickly changing environment. We sincerely appreciate your support and understanding of this very difficult, but ultimately responsible decision.”
The summer show was to feature a Diversity and Inclusion Town Hall with special guest speaker, Cecilia Nelson-Hurt, Assistant Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion at L’Oreal USA.
No rescheduling, refunds remain a question
The association does not intend to reschedule the 2020 summer show. Costs, logistics, venue availability, as well as uncertainty about when the COVID-19 pandemic will be resolved make it too difficult for other arrangements to be made.
It’s not clear at this time whether TNNA will issue refunds to businesses that have already paid for booths, and attendee and exhibitor badges. The organization is officially saying that they are “not in a position to make commitments regarding Summer Show refunds” at this time. More information about the association’s finances will be presented shortly.
Hotel reservations that attendees made directly through the TNNA hotel block are being automatically cancelled and fully refunded.
Due to low registration from exhibitors, TNNA chose to not hold a Winter Market in 2019. Instead, they had a pavilion on the show floor at the Association for Creative Industries Creativation show. Without a Summer Show it will have been a year since the association held a stand-alone trade show.
Do you have a question about any of this? Kelley notes that due to the disruption caused by COVID-19 to TNNA’s day to day operations, the staff is not responding to individual email and phone inquiries. All questions will be collected and answered via general announcements on the TNNA website.
TNNA will be an organization I chose no to support if they do not make refunds .