Trumbull, CT—Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group has announced that four upcoming shows will be cancelled due to COVID-19 and State of Emergency orders issued by the California, Florida, and Illinois state governments, according to a press release.The remaining 2020 event, Coffee Fest PNW, is scheduled to run as planned at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, Tacoma, WA, from October 24-25, 2020.
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Tom Loughran, VP at Clarion, said in the release: “We have seen the impact COVID-19 has had on the food and beverage industry and our hearts are with our friends and colleagues. We are saddened and disappointed we have to cancel our industry events, however, in light of both government direction and general public health advisories we believe it is not possible at this time to hold a safe public gathering. With the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the California, Florida, and Illinois state governments issued State of Emergency orders, we have put the health, safety, and well-being of our team, customers partners, family, and friends above all other priorities.

“Although our next event is scheduled for October, we are working on new concepts to support the industry—through both our original and world-class education that is practical and relevant for today’s foodservice professional, and by bringing vendors together with restaurants, foodservice, and retailers,” Loughran continued. “We look forward to bringing to operators and manufacturers both virtual and potentially more intimate face-to-face gatherings when the timing is right.”

Clarion will continue to support the marketplace with their COVID-19 Resource Center, an “online platform providing access to both uniquely produced education focused on operators’ most relevant needs, along with aggregated industry education, plus association resources, industry links, and more,” Loughran said. Those looking to stay educated can visit the Restaurant & Foodservice Industry Resource Pageor theirSpecialty Coffee Industry Resource Page.

Loughran concluded: “We continue to be committed to providing operators and the overall restaurant, foodservice, catering, and coffee/tea industry with tools to connect and rebuild their business.”