As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Informa has announced that the SupplySide East 2020 exhibition has been cancelled. The event will return April 13-14, 2021 at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, NJ.
 
“While team SupplySide hopes that our entire country is well on the mend by late June, we believe the decision to cancel the 2020 event is the best course of action,” Jon Benninger, Supplyside’s vice president and market leader said. “Our focus now is on supporting the many businesses and people hwo make up this great industry as we navigate today’s challenges together.”
 
SupplySide East organizers report that they experienced strong industry support and commitment in support in postponing the event, which was slated for this month, to June, however, the COVID-19 situation has since worsened nationwide, with New York and New Jersey hit hard in particular. State officials in New York and New Jersey, by and large, have not opined on their projections for when statewide stay-at-home orders and emergency declarations will be lifted.
 
Informa Markets’ reports that its priority is the safety and health of its guests, colleagues, and community, which leads it to make the decision to cancel the event. A contributing factor to the decision is that the Meadowlands Expo Center is being used as a temporary hospital for an indefinite length of time.
 
“New Jersey and the Meadowlands Expo Center have been wonderful partners and hosts for SupplySide East dating to 2000, and this even and location is part of the success story of many great companies in our industry,” Benninger said.
 
In lieu of an in-person event, Benninger said that the SupplySide team is prepared with digital opportunities for visitors and exhibitors that allow for personal connection, innovation discovery, and product development to continue.
 
“For 25 years, we have offered business solutions ofr the industry, and we are redoubling those efforts with our proven digital platforms and products as well as new solutions,” he said. “Through Natural Products Insider, Food & Beverage Insider and SupplySide Connect, we offer proven ways for brands and solution providers to connect, and expect ot have even more unique opportunities