The change was made due to COVID-19 concerns. As explained in a press release, the MAHO Board of Directors and Staff are prioritizing the health and safety of all attendees and offering the opportunity to participate while staying healthy and safe without traveling. "With continued government mandates in place across the country, and restrictions on social distancing and limiting group gatherings, we have made the decision to re-invent our 2020 'Summer Splash' MAHO Expo, making it an interactive virtual opportunity that will bring the same high standard of educational programming, specials and discounts right to your doorstep, whether it be your store, your dining room or home office, or even poolside."
Virtual attendees will be able to participate in all the typical events that would be enjoyed at the event, the release notes. "Special events such as our President’s Hospitality Reception, Buyer’s Bingo, and other fun interactive activities will earn Beach Ball points for every participant to earn prizes, as well as cumulative points for travel discounts, room rebates andfreerooms at the Hilton Columbus at Easton in July of 2021." The virtual event also provides the opportunity for store associates that typically do not attend the annual MAHO Expo to participate.
“I am excited to be able to provide the same high-quality, cutting-edge educational information to my associates at both stores virtually, that I receive when attending MAHO each year," said MAHO President Michael Anderson of Sunspot Natural Markets in Indiana. "This is a definite plus for my business and customers.”
Retailers and exhibitors from across the U.S. are invited to join the event, MAHO said. Events begin as scheduled at Noon on Friday, July 24, 2020 and will continue through 4:30 p.m. ET on July 26, with added seminars, as well as on demand replays of weekend Keynote presentations and exhibitor booth/tabletop information through Thursday, July 30. For more information on exhibiting and attendee registration, contact Marcy (marcy@maho4health.org) or Diane (diane@maho4health.org) or call 800-795-6246.
