Shows Cancel in Wake of Hurricane Florence Impact on East Coast
September 12, 2018
Several shows have canceled at convention centers expected to be impacted by Hurricane Florence, which is projected to make landfall in the Carolinas as a Category 3 or 4 storm on Friday morning.
The National Rifle Association has canceled the second annual NRA Carry Guard Expo, scheduled for Sept. 14-16, 2018 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Va., due to the impending threat of severe weather associated with Hurricane Florence.
“The cancellation was made in the interest of public safety due to the forecasted arrival of Category 4 Hurricane Florence in the mid-Atlantic region this forthcoming weekend, and the resulting declaration of a State of Emergency by the Governor of Virginia,” NRA show organizers said.
They added, “This decision required careful deliberation and concern for the safety of attendees, exhibitors and others involved with the event.
Customers who purchased event tickets or tickets to paid workshops will receive refunds for their purchases.
“Despite this major weather event being beyond human control, the NRA regrets any inconvenience caused by this decision,” NRA show organizers said. “We look forward to welcoming guests and exhibitors next year to the 2019 NRA Carry Guard Expo, scheduled for Sept. 6-8, 2019, in Fort Worth, Texas.”
In North Carolina, the state in which Hurricane Florence is projected to make a direct hit, the Downtown Raleigh Home Show also has canceled.
The show was expected to run Sept. 14-16 at the Raleigh Convention Center. Show organizers said tickets can be used at other upcoming shows, refunded or donated to Habitat for Humanity.
In Wilmington, N.C., which is on the coast literally in the bullseye of the hurricane, there currently are no shows scheduled at the city’s convention center.
There also are no shows currently scheduled in Charleston, S.C., another city expected to be impacted, however the Monroe Hardware Fall Dealer’s Market has, which was expected to run Sept. 15-16 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
The SER of the WOCN® Society 42nd Annual Conference, on tap next week in Myrtle Beach, currently still is scheduled to be held according to the event’s site, but they are monitoring the potential hurricane impact.
The Charlotte (N.C.) Convention Center is further inland and plans to still hold the Southern States Showcase Sept. 18-20, according to its web site.
Please follow @TSNN_com_US and TSNN_Rachel for updates.
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The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
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The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
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OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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