ISA, NAHAD Conventions Still On, Fastenal Cancels

Following Grainger Show 2020’s cancellation that was announced March 5, Fastenal has cancelled its annual customer and expo, while the Industrial Supply Association (ISA) and National Association for Hose and Accessories Distribution (NAHAD) have posted updates regarding the ongoing coronavirus outbreak as each group’s annual convention approaches in April.

The website for the Fastenal Expo, scheduled for April 14-16 in Aurora, CO, shows that the event has been cancelled. No other information was available.

For ISA and NAHAD, the associations said their conventions are proceeding as scheduled — with ISA to be April 20-22 in Atlanta and NAHAD to be April 24-29 in The Bahamas — and that each group is closely monitoring the situation and updates from government agencies.

ISA and NAHAD each posted statements on their website homepage. ISA’s statement reads:

“The safety, health and well-being of everyone is our top priority at ISA. As a result, we are mindful of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. In short, based on the facts from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that “most people in the United States will have little immediate risk of exposure to this virus” and “this virus is not currently spreading widely in the United States” we are proceeding as scheduled with ISA Atlanta 2020, April 22nd 2020.

ISA is not only monitoring the situation closely, but also consulting with relevant experts, including the World Health Organization, CDC, Georgia Department of Public Health and local authorities. We will continue to review the available facts and information and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all involved.

We are asking that everyone follow the preventative actions advised by the CDC to mitigate the spread of any virus. In addition, we encourage all those traveling to Atlanta to become knowledgeable of the most recent ravel protocols. Regularly updated information can be found by visiting the CDC website.

Thank you for your time and attention. We look forward to seeing you at ISA Atlanta 2020!

Stay up to date with the latest information we have here.”

And here is NAHAD’s statement:

“The NAHAD office has been fielding calls from concerned members about the impact of Coronavirus (or COVID-19) on the upcoming 2020 Annual Meeting & Convention to be held at the Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas. NAHAD is actively monitoring updates provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as well as the World Health Organization (WHO). At this time, according to the CDC, “…At this time, this virus [COVID-19] is NOT currently spreading in the community in the United States.” The CDC has determined “… For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued this statement, indicating “… WHO did not recommend any travel or trade restrictions, based on the current information available.” WHO has provided measures and processes for containing suspected infected individuals aboard public transport.

The NAHAD office has been in contact with the Atlantis, as well as the Government of the Bahamas Ministry of Health. The Atlantis has released the following statement:

Atlantis Paradise Island takes the safety and well-being of our guests seriously. Currently, there have been no confirmed reports of coronavirus in The Bahamas.

The Bahamian government recently instituted a policy denying entry into the country to any non-resident, regardless of nationality, who has visited China in the last 20 days. In addition, all Bahamian residents returning to The Bahamas from China are being strictly quarantined and monitored for development of symptoms for the incubation period of 14 days.

The Bahamian Ministry of Health is proactively sharing information with hospitals, doctors and health workers so they know how to identify coronavirus symptoms and treat patients quickly and effectively. Atlantis Paradise Island staff is continuing to monitor the situation closely and following the guidelines established by the Bahamian government and Ministry of Health.

Please click this link to read the statement from the Ministry of Health.

At this time, the NAHAD 2020 Annual Meeting & Convention will take place April 24 – 29, 2020 at the Atlantis. Registration numbers are some of the highest NAHAD has ever seen and we look forward to welcoming you to the Bahamas. We will send out subsequent alerts with updated information, if necessary and look forward to a fantastic Convention in April.”

Industrial Distribution will provide more information as updates become available.

The statements come amid the cancellation, postponement or alteration of many conventions, trade shows and expos across various industries over the past few weeks. Grainger announced the cancellation of its annual Grainger Show 10 days before it was to be held March 15-17 in Orlando, FL. Meanwhile, MODEX, known as the world’s largest supply chain expo, is currently being held March 9-12 in Atlanta, though its organizers said they are expecting lower attendance from international exhibitors.