Fear Around Coronavirus Causes Trade Show at McCormick Place to be Canceled

Corona Virus hits the Sloop (...sorry probably not the best intro) - via the Tribune:

A March trade show expected to bring 60,000 people to Chicago’s McCormick Place — as well as the city’s hotels and restaurants — has been canceled amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The International Housewares Association on Monday announced the decision to cancel the annual trade-only event, The Inspired Home Show, which was scheduled for March 14-17 and was expected to attract 2,200 exhibitors from 45 countries. The show was expected to bring $77 million in spending to Chicago, including on hotels, restaurants, transportation and entertainment, said association spokesman Leana Salamah.

It is the first major trade show in Chicago to be canceled as reports of coronavirus cases spread around the U.S. Virus concerns also have canceled industry events in Denver and Houston, as large companies opt out of even domestic events.

It was estimated the Inspired Home Show was responsible for 47,155 hotel room nights that would have been used during the show, McCormick Place spokeswoman Cynthia McCafferty said.

The story for the Sloop is that this type of development impacts our local businesses and prevents them from getting people in the door. 

Hopefully it's a short term thing, but the uncertainty and fear around the virus is impacting many many things.