California Apparel News

Amid cities and states reopening for business across the United States with plans for interaction on a small scale such as curbside pickup at retailers, crowd-size control and socially distanced dining during this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, this has meant that trade-show organizers are facing some difficult decisions.

For the Swimwear Association of Florida, one of these decisions has been to cancel its SwimShow, originally scheduled for July 11–14 at the Miami Beach Convention Center during Miami Swim Week. In an email sent May 18, Swimwear Association of Florida Executive Director Judy Stein said that the decision was made with the safety of the show's exhibitors and visitors in mind.

“Unfortunately, there are so many unknown factors to contend with, which makes it difficult to predict what the next few months will bring,” she said. “Myself and the board have the utmost respect for the health, safety and well-being of our participants and attendees, so, with those thoughts in mind and not to prolong a decision any longer, the board has chosen to cancel the July show.”

The event would have been celebrating its 38th annual edition had it not been canceled. In her email, Stein mentioned that the opportunity could arise for a SwimShow to be organized during the second half of 2020.

“There is a possibility that SwimShow will produce a trade show in October,” she said. “Lots of details to work out; I will provide more information at a later date.”