2020 CPMA Convention and Trade Show cancelled

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has cancelled its annual convention and trade show because of the COVID-19 pandemic. CPMA 2020 had been scheduled to take place May 12 to 14 in Toronto. It will return to Vancouver next year.

In a press release, CPMA said it made the decision "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."

CPMA said 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.

• CPMA will 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 is committed to offering our members, and Convention and Trade Show exhibitors and registrants, a positive and memorable Convention and Trade Show experience and this will continue as we execute the transition from our 2020 event to our 2021 event in Vancouver,” said CPMA president Ron Lemaire.

Lemaire also said CPMA was engaged with government officials across various sectors “to ensure the continued flow of produce throughout the supply chain."