Gibtown IISF Trade Show ready to roll for 2021; hopes to kick off season and return to operation
Vendors offered 50% discount on booth space
Teresa Rimes, Secretary of the IISF Super Trade Show and Extravaganza, is looking forward to moving ahead with the 2021 Trade Show, February 16th-19th at the Gibtown Showmen's Club. “It's important to have the trade show in 2021; we're all in this together and we've had astronomical support from members regardless of if they are able to attend or not,” says Rimes.
The 2021 trade show will follow CDC protocols and guidelines. Currently, volunteer help is low so Rimes and other staff members will heavily rely on members to comply. “We will have as many hand sanitizing stations as we can pile in and we will be mandating masks indoors when people are not seated for eating and drinking in accordance with our county guidelines,” says Rimes.
Temperature checks will also be in place; anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be required to have secondary screening. If the temperature is again 100.4 or higher, that person will be asked to leave and seek medical attention. Potillo Sanization Services will be on site fully disinfecting with Electra Static Ionization for Microbial Bacteria. Bathroom urinals will be disinfected daily. While she fully expects everyone to comply with the guidelines, those who are unwilling to follow protocols will be asked to leave the show.
Although the 2021 trade show will look different than years past, Rimes is certain that all different aspects of the business will be represented. “I've been accepting contracts from vendors since August. We certainly have seen interest in exhibiting. We know our numbers won't be the same and we understand the reasons for not attending. We are just thankful for the support,” says Rimes.
To further encourage participation and acknowledge the financial hardships felt among the industry, the trade show board are offering 50% off the regular price for exhibitor space. Membership and insurance fees and taxes will remain the same. In addition to exhibitor fees, registration prices are dropped; if you are a non-member and must pay to register, all levels of registration are just $10 per person. Members are still admitted free of charge.
For more information on exhibiting, visit the exhibitors section on the trade show web site.
Social aspects of the trade show will remain largely the same. Networking, socializing, and catching up with friends or peers in the business is an important component to a successful show. “We're arranging more outside accommodations for seating, eating, and drinking. People generally feel better spending time outside so we're going to do our best to keep the social aspect strong,” says Rimes.
If exhibitor members are unable to attend the trade show, they will still be featured in the trade show directory and buyers guide as long as membership dues are paid.
Rimes, along with the supervisors of the trade show, is ready to have a safe, productive show to kick off what will hopefully be a successful 2021 season. “Every single person in the business is hopeful to move forward; it's been a devastating year for the industry. Yes, we're expecting smaller numbers, but you'll still be able to find what you need. Your LED lights, your hoses, your insurance, your plush animals will all be available at the show,” says Rimes.
Ride companies will likely be hit hardest. Foreign ride manufacturers are unable to travel to the US during the Pandemic and domestic ride manufacturers, after a very trying year, will struggle to go to the expense of brining equipment to Florida. Nonetheless, some manufacturers will be on hand, with he hopes of selling to buyers optimistic about the coming season.
The IISA is moving forward with other events to kick off the season. The 2021 Gibtown Motorcycle Rally will kick off at the showmen's club January 21st-24th. “We're full steam ahead working on the trade show and bike fest. We look forward to having these events in a safe way.” For more information on the 2021 trade show or bike fest, visit the trade show web site.
The 2021 trade show will follow CDC protocols and guidelines. Currently, volunteer help is low so Rimes and other staff members will heavily rely on members to comply. “We will have as many hand sanitizing stations as we can pile in and we will be mandating masks indoors when people are not seated for eating and drinking in accordance with our county guidelines,” says Rimes.
Temperature checks will also be in place; anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be required to have secondary screening. If the temperature is again 100.4 or higher, that person will be asked to leave and seek medical attention. Potillo Sanization Services will be on site fully disinfecting with Electra Static Ionization for Microbial Bacteria. Bathroom urinals will be disinfected daily. While she fully expects everyone to comply with the guidelines, those who are unwilling to follow protocols will be asked to leave the show.
Although the 2021 trade show will look different than years past, Rimes is certain that all different aspects of the business will be represented. “I've been accepting contracts from vendors since August. We certainly have seen interest in exhibiting. We know our numbers won't be the same and we understand the reasons for not attending. We are just thankful for the support,” says Rimes.
To further encourage participation and acknowledge the financial hardships felt among the industry, the trade show board are offering 50% off the regular price for exhibitor space. Membership and insurance fees and taxes will remain the same. In addition to exhibitor fees, registration prices are dropped; if you are a non-member and must pay to register, all levels of registration are just $10 per person. Members are still admitted free of charge.
For more information on exhibiting, visit the exhibitors section on the trade show web site.
Social aspects of the trade show will remain largely the same. Networking, socializing, and catching up with friends or peers in the business is an important component to a successful show. “We're arranging more outside accommodations for seating, eating, and drinking. People generally feel better spending time outside so we're going to do our best to keep the social aspect strong,” says Rimes.
If exhibitor members are unable to attend the trade show, they will still be featured in the trade show directory and buyers guide as long as membership dues are paid.
Rimes, along with the supervisors of the trade show, is ready to have a safe, productive show to kick off what will hopefully be a successful 2021 season. “Every single person in the business is hopeful to move forward; it's been a devastating year for the industry. Yes, we're expecting smaller numbers, but you'll still be able to find what you need. Your LED lights, your hoses, your insurance, your plush animals will all be available at the show,” says Rimes.
Ride companies will likely be hit hardest. Foreign ride manufacturers are unable to travel to the US during the Pandemic and domestic ride manufacturers, after a very trying year, will struggle to go to the expense of brining equipment to Florida. Nonetheless, some manufacturers will be on hand, with he hopes of selling to buyers optimistic about the coming season.
The IISA is moving forward with other events to kick off the season. The 2021 Gibtown Motorcycle Rally will kick off at the showmen's club January 21st-24th. “We're full steam ahead working on the trade show and bike fest. We look forward to having these events in a safe way.” For more information on the 2021 trade show or bike fest, visit the trade show web site.
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