TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW UPDATE FROM SHOW DIRECTOR, LINDA WADDELL

Aug 11, 2020

Linda Waddell of Canadian Boat Shows, Show Director for the Toronto International Boat Show has sent an update letter to exhibitors on plans for the 2021 show scheduled for January 15 – 24, 2021.

 
Waddell’s letter stated, “We are very optimistic the Toronto Boat Show will proceed as scheduled, January 15 – 24, 2021.” (Click here for the full letter)
 

The Province of Ontario and the city of Toronto has just entered the COVID-19 Stage 3 in the provincially-mandated re-opening process.

The letter explained that the environment they are working through is fluid and continually changing. The daily monitoring of COVID-19 cases by the Provincial Government, combined with their 3 Stage Plan for re-opening, means the show needs approval from the Ontario government to operate.
 
At this time, the City of Toronto is now approved to enter Stage 3. Under the Province’s Stage 3 Order, many businesses and facilities have recently been able to open, subject to compliance with reopening conditions. This limits indoor gatherings to 50 people and outdoor gatherings up to 100 people.
 
Exhibition Place, the Toronto Boat Show venue, has submitted a formal request for an exemption to this gathering limit, in order for events like the boat show to restart.

Canadian Boat Shows has been working collectively with the industry association (CAEM, Canadian Association of Exposition Management) and the Enercare Centre (Exhibition Place), on Safe Re-Opening Plans for approval by the provincial government.
 
Proposed plans for Exhibitions (Trade & Consumer Shows), and Exhibition Place (Enercare Centre) are currently under review by the government.

Waddell stated that Canadian Boat Shows feels very strongly that the Toronto Boat Show can operate safely for both attendees and workers, pointing out that the boat show is like a retail environment, consistent with shopping malls, large retailers, farmer’s markets and grocery stores. The show is not a large public gathering like a concert or sporting event.

The letter added that Canadian Boat Shows understands that exhibitors would like a definitive decision on whether the show will proceed, but show management recognizes the need to follow the process to keep Ontario safe, and they will continue to work through the channels established for government approvals.

Also, space sales for the Toronto International Boat Show are now open and for those who would like to reserve, or discuss the Show and process further, contact:
Cynthia Hare, Show Manager chare@canadianboatshows.com or 905-951-4054
Linda Waddell, Show Director lwaddell@canadianboatshows.com or 905-951-4051