March 20, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – In light of the rapid escalation of safety precautions to decrease the transmission of COVID-19, and recommendations of municipal, provincial and federal governments regarding large gatherings, the CPMA Board of Directors and 2020 CPMA Convention and Trade Show Organizing Committee have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 CPMA Convention and Trade Show.
We appreciate that many preparations for the show are already underway, however the health and safety of CPMA members, Convention and Trade Show registrants and the general public is our paramount concern.
During this unprecedented global situation, CPMA strongly encourages all businesses and individuals throughout the produce supply chain to consult our COVID-19 Updates page, to strictly adhere to government guidance and recommendations and to prioritize self-care above all else. CPMA continues to work on your behalf with government and partners across the supply chain in an effort to minimize business disruptions.
Exhibitors, sponsors and attendees who have already paid will have the following options:
- Carry forward booth purchases and sponsorships to the 2021 CPMA Convention and Trade Show in Vancouver, B.C., with 100% of payments to date being transferred to the 2021 CPMA Convention and Trade Show. We thank the many companies that have indicated they will be pushing their support to the 2021 event in Vancouver.
- CPMA will also be offering 100% refunds on ticket sales, including Full Delegate passes, Trade Show only passes, Retail Tour, Chair’s Welcome Reception, Companion Program, After Party, and CPMA Annual Banquet.
- CPMA is offering refunds of 80% to any exhibitors or sponsors wishing to cancel their participation in the 2020 CPMA Convention and Trade Show (fees, expenses and penalties have been incurred for advanced preparations that prevent CPMA from refunding the full amount).
CPMA will be contacting exhibitors and registrants over the next few weeks to address their decisions in this matter.
The CPMA Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is traditionally conducted as part of the Convention and Trade Show agenda, will be changed to a virtual meeting. Details on this event will be sent to members as soon as they are confirmed.
CPMA wishes all members, Convention and Trade Show registrants and the general public excellent health in the coming days and weeks.
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For more information, please contact:
Allan Gordon Manager, Communications, Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Telephone: 613-226-4187 x225 | Cell: 613-878-3312 Email: agordon@cpma.ca
About the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA): Based in Ottawa, Ontario, CPMA is a not-for-profit organization that represents a diverse membership made up of every segment of the produce industry supply chain who are responsible for 90% of the fresh fruit and vegetable sales in Canada. CPMA is fortunate to represent a sector that is both a significant economic driver for communities and that also improves the health and productivity of Canadians.
