July 7, 2020

Boating Industry Canada News Week Digest learned the following from Composites World e-newsletter and wanted to share the news with our readers – Ed.

The Organizers of the CAMX 2020 trade show, the composites industry’s largest event in North America, announced on June 16 that the conference and exhibition will be presented as an entirely virtual event because of health concerns stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. CAMX 2020 was originally scheduled for Sept. 21-24 in Orlando, Fla., U.S.

CAMX 2020 issued the following statement, signed by Marcy Offner, chair of the CAMX Steering Committee; Kevin Barnett, CEO of the American Composites Manufacturers Assn. (ACMA); and Gregg Balko, CEO of SAMPE:

COVID-19 has impacted virtually all aspects of the composites and advanced materials industries. From manufacturers temporarily closing their businesses and reducing production, to learning new ways to work remotely, the industry is much different today than it was just two months ago. 
 
To that end, after many weeks of discussion and careful analysis, CAMX leadership has decided to transform CAMX 2020 into a completely virtual event, replete with conference programming, a virtual trade show, and plenty of networking. We considered many factors, including exhibitor feedback, ongoing travel restrictions and a recent increase in COVID-19 cases reported in Florida. While this has been a challenging decision, delivering a dynamic education and exhibition experience and ensuring the health and safety of our attendees and exhibitors remains our top priority. The virtual CAMX experience will allow the entire global composites and advanced materials community to network and learn together during these unprecedented times. 
 
We know you have questions, and we are working hard to deliver answers as soon as we have them. Here is what we do know:

• CAMX will kick-off its virtual events starting in mid-September.
• CAMX will provide its attendees and exhibitors with the education, networking and demonstrations that you have come to expect, but for this year, these will be presented in a virtual space.
• There will be opportunities for attendees and exhibitors to engage directly, while showcasing the latest brands, products and advances to the industry.
• There will be occasions to celebrate; awards will be given, networking will happen, and the show management will do everything we can to surprise and delight our attendees and exhibitors.
Even though we will not be together in person this year, we still want to provide those who would visit CAMX, both attendees and exhibitors, with opportunities to network with industry peers and to advance their technical knowledge.

There is much to work out, and the CAMX team is working as quickly as possible to provide the answers you need.

From the CAMX Steering Committee, and the staff at SAMPE and ACMA, thank you for your patience, your business, and most importantly, your loyalty as we navigate these uncharted waters together. We truly appreciate your support and are excited to provide this dynamic opportunity for the composites industry.