quote:

Originally posted by RBHunt:
The Dallas Convention Center
is a make shift hospital.

I doubt it will ever be used though.

Consider the potential impact via limitations to International travel.

Very few Governments can/will afford a re-introduction of the virus.
How will they screen in-comings (outfitters and others from overseas).
We will see mandatory quarantine periods for entry by foreingers ?
Will someone come up with an instantaneous screening method to use at the airport, by January ?

Dsc snd sci and the services they sell, discretionary high dollar vacations in remote places to a consumer base that is significantly richer but also significantly older than the population, is in a terrible spot due to covid.

Governments universally shutdown and they universally will reopen. They simply have to. The fiscal and monetary stimulus cannot be permanent cause theirs effectiveness is based on an expectation they are temporary.

The economic numbers will be horrific in 2nd quarter and to a large degree they are viewed as anomalies. One time pandemic shock.

In 12 weeks covid will look controlled with risk of flare ups and focus will move towards a vaccine.

But consumer behavior will also change. Just like one could walk around malls and casinos and airports in Asia and see people wearing face mask a decade after SARS you will see real change in consumer behavior.

High end hunting is just at the short end of the stick. Covid, cross country travel, long haul travel, and an aged consumer base all a bad combo.

I don’t know when people get on a cruise ship, sleep in a hotel bed, get in a Uber or taxi, get on a plane. But I am sure most people don’t want to live under stay at home rules for more than a few months. I don’t think when deaths are going down and covid is ebbing governments will be able to keep people confined.

Some people will permanently choose to live in a world of quarantine - any with preexisting conditions.

The world till a vaccine is going to be different. Question is what would people spend their money on instead of hunting.

But nothing at dsc or sci is appealing in a world of covid - crowds, touching gear touched by someone else, even the fur coats would have few people willing to try one. But in the bigger picture it’s only 12-18 months to a vaccine.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:
...

This raises the obvious question- "Are conventions necessary to sell hunts?"

I wonder how many hunts are actually sold "at" the convention.

I realize that a ton of hunts are booked at the convention, but in this internet age I wonder how many of those hunts are booked by guys who have done all their research before the convention, and show up knowing more or less who they are going to book with. I mean how many guys walk into the convention, stop at and attractive display, start chatting with an outfit they have never researched and ultimately book a hunt.

...

Even though most people do their research there is something to be said about a personal interaction. I had done all my homework, but I still needed to have that comfort of the interaction before spending the money.

The other thing is all the support vendors. One can try out binoculars, scopes, look at firearms and talk to all kinds of vendors in the course of a few days. To date I have bought scopes, firearms, hearing protection, travel services, a Pendleton safe and a whole bunch of other stuff because of checking them out at the shows over the years. Not to mention the stuff I did not buy because of actually handling them as opposed to Internet shopping.

Internet and web pages are nice, but there is something to be said for having the personal touch.

quote:

Originally posted by tanks:

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:
...

This raises the obvious question- "Are conventions necessary to sell hunts?"

I wonder how many hunts are actually sold "at" the convention.

I realize that a ton of hunts are booked at the convention, but in this internet age I wonder how many of those hunts are booked by guys who have done all their research before the convention, and show up knowing more or less who they are going to book with. I mean how many guys walk into the convention, stop at and attractive display, start chatting with an outfit they have never researched and ultimately book a hunt.

...

Even though most people do their research there is something to be said about a personal interaction. I had done all my homework, but I still needed to have that comfort of the interaction before spending the money.

The other thing is all the support vendors. One can try out binoculars, scopes, look at firearms and talk to all kinds of vendors in the course of a few days. To date I have bought scopes, firearms, hearing protection, travel services, a Pendleton safe and a whole bunch of other stuff because of checking them out at the shows over the years. Not to mention the stuff I did not buy because of actually handling them as opposed to Internet shopping.

Internet and web pages are nice, but there is something to be said for having the personal touch.

Funny you merntion this.

I have been hunting for almost 40 years, and have never been to any hunting convention.

I have booked all my hunts by researching who to hunt with and who to avoid, and so far that has served me very well indeed!

I know, it is really nice to see someone face to face, but I don';t think it is a deal breaker if you do not.

But, not having these conventions is a definite blow to hunting.

quote:

Originally posted by tanks:

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:
...

This raises the obvious question- "Are conventions necessary to sell hunts?"

I wonder how many hunts are actually sold "at" the convention.

I realize that a ton of hunts are booked at the convention, but in this internet age I wonder how many of those hunts are booked by guys who have done all their research before the convention, and show up knowing more or less who they are going to book with. I mean how many guys walk into the convention, stop at and attractive display, start chatting with an outfit they have never researched and ultimately book a hunt.

...

Even though most people do their research there is something to be said about a personal interaction. I had done all my homework, but I still needed to have that comfort of the interaction before spending the money.

The other thing is all the support vendors. One can try out binoculars, scopes, look at firearms and talk to all kinds of vendors in the course of a few days. To date I have bought scopes, firearms, hearing protection, travel services, a Pendleton safe and a whole bunch of other stuff because of checking them out at the shows over the years. Not to mention the stuff I did not buy because of actually handling them as opposed to Internet shopping.

Internet and web pages are nice, but there is something to be said for having the personal touch.

Very good points. On the internet, people steal pictures and post them as their own.

To pay a substantial amount of money, it is nice to chat and shake hands with the person you will hunt with.

Obviously, it’s not needed if you already have a relationship with the outfitter. However, it’s also great to reconnect with firmer clients. I’m certain most outfitters more than make up for the cost of conventions/travel.

In the UK now you have que to go into the Supermarket 2 metres from everyone else snaked round the car park. Staff let one person in for one person out. Cash isnt accepted mostly and they want card payments only. Staff booths at check outs have clear perspex screens on and people wear gloves and masks. Once home your encouraged to spray your goods with dettol and wash your hands after touching anything.

Future I hope will not be too affected but i hope unhygienic places like airports and planes are cleaned a lot more and i think personal testing of everyone somehow would be very beneficial.

3 weeks we have been couped up and its pretty boring. They recon another 6-9 and hope that should do it.

They are taking about cancelling college football!

DSC/SCI does not have snow balls chance in hell in this environment.

quote:

Originally posted by Capt.

DSC/SCI does not have snow balls chance in hell in this environment.

That is what I am afraid of. The impact on both can be devastating.

This is my wish:

I wish everyone would quit panicking. Use common-sense precautions to get into the heat of the summer and then reassess the situation. This virus “may” die out. The vast majority 95+% are not going to get symptoms worse than a cold—fact. If you are a person with risk factors use major precautions. I believe the medical community will/already have some effective anti-viral treatment protocols along with rapid tests ready for those who get more severe illness.

No vaccine will be forthcoming for the general public until Fall of 2021...at earliest. The virus is here...we cannot hide from it...life needs to go on.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
This is my wish:

I wish everyone would quit panicking. Use common-sense precautions to get into the heat of the summer and then reassess the situation. This virus “may” die out. The vast majority 95+% are not going to get symptoms worse than a cold—fact. If you are a person with risk factors use major precautions. I believe the medical community will/already have some effective anti-viral treatment protocols along with rapid tests ready for those who get more severe illness.

No vaccine will be forthcoming for the general public until Fall of 2021...at earliest. The virus is here...we cannot hide from it...life needs to go on.

I think you are right.

But the powers that be are not.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
If it is like China and the graph shows almost zero new cases, I can't see convention attendance or anything affected-unless it is in the elite's agenda that things remain closed.

You believe China?

quote:

Originally posted by drongo:

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
If it is like China and the graph shows almost zero new cases, I can't see convention attendance or anything affected-unless it is in the elite's agenda that things remain closed.

You believe China?

Yes-more than I believe the mainstream media.That and don't forget the model used to shut everything down was based on those figures from China.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
It is going to be extremely tough for hunting outfits in Africa...more so due to measures taken by governments than the disease itself.

I say wait until August and see what things are like. If it is good then (which I suspect)...Oct and November will tell the tale on whether the virus was able to find a reservoir. If no cases spike up in the Fall...2021 might be fine. Even if no disease...it will likely be too short of time to make 2021 conventions normal.

All this said...from the data I have seeen...the virus was likely circulating in the USA in January when the conventions were going.

Eleven people work in my office. In late January to early February nine of us had fever, coughing and body aches and pains. Was this Coronna? Who knows?!

I am planning a Zim buffalo hunt for August 2021. My deposit will go out in January if the conditions look good. I want to support my outfitter and PH in this time of difficulty.

quote:

Originally posted by drongo:

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
It is going to be extremely tough for hunting outfits in Africa...more so due to measures taken by governments than the disease itself.

I say wait until August and see what things are like. If it is good then (which I suspect)...Oct and November will tell the tale on whether the virus was able to find a reservoir. If no cases spike up in the Fall...2021 might be fine. Even if no disease...it will likely be too short of time to make 2021 conventions normal.

All this said...from the data I have seeen...the virus was likely circulating in the USA in January when the conventions were going.

Eleven people work in my office. In late January to early February nine of us had fever, coughing and body aches and pains. Was this Coronna? Who knows?!

I am planning a Zim buffalo hunt for August 2021. My deposit will go out in January if the conditions look good. I want to support my outfitter and PH in this time of difficulty.

I am in constant contact with the public at work and almost everyone I come in contact with each year in the winters month is sick with the flu.Some years it's all year round.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
This is my wish:

I wish everyone would quit panicking. Use common-sense precautions to get into the heat of the summer and then reassess the situation. This virus “may” die out. The vast majority 95+% are not going to get symptoms worse than a cold—fact. If you are a person with risk factors use major precautions. I believe the medical community will/already have some effective anti-viral treatment protocols along with rapid tests ready for those who get more severe illness.

No vaccine will be forthcoming for the general public until Fall of 2021...at earliest. The virus is here...we cannot hide from it...life needs to go on.

I think you’ve nailed it. The problem is people are not thinking rationally, the media keeps stirring the pot and politicians are using the pandemic as a way to expand their authority and power. I’m far more concerned about what politicians are trying to do than I am about this virus.

If DSC is held, I will be there. If not, I will send a donation or become a life member. Now is the time to support DSC and others.

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
If DSC is held, I will be there. If not, I will send a donation or become a life member. Now is the time to support DSC and others.

Bingo.

quote:

Originally posted by DLS:

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
This is my wish:

I wish everyone would quit panicking. Use common-sense precautions to get into the heat of the summer and then reassess the situation. This virus “may” die out. The vast majority 95+% are not going to get symptoms worse than a cold—fact. If you are a person with risk factors use major precautions. I believe the medical community will/already have some effective anti-viral treatment protocols along with rapid tests ready for those who get more severe illness.

No vaccine will be forthcoming for the general public until Fall of 2021...at earliest. The virus is here...we cannot hide from it...life needs to go on.

I think you’ve nailed it. The problem is people are not thinking rationally, the media keeps stirring the pot and politicians are using the pandemic as a way to expand their authority and power. I’m far more concerned about what politicians are trying to do than I am about this virus.

Amen!

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
If DSC is held, I will be there. If not, I will send a donation or become a life member. Now is the time to support DSC and others.

+1

quote:

Originally posted by DLS:
...

I think you’ve nailed it. The problem is people are not thinking rationally, the media keeps stirring the pot and politicians are using the pandemic as a way to expand their authority and power. I’m far more concerned about what politicians are trying to do than I am about this virus.

I do not think there is a worldwide conspiracy in regards to this. It is very serious for people that are elderly and do have pre-existing respiratory issues. It is almost a death sentence for that demographic.

My 84 year old mother is hunkered down at the family farm. She had a company come and fumigate the place. There are 10 worker families living on the property, all have N95 masks and the rule is if anyone leaves the farm they are not to come back. They have plenty of food and of course work.



Yes, politicians will try not to let "a crisis go to waste" but the effects go beyond that socially and economically.

quote:

Originally posted by tanks:

quote:

Originally posted by DLS:
...

I think you’ve nailed it. The problem is people are not thinking rationally, the media keeps stirring the pot and politicians are using the pandemic as a way to expand their authority and power. I’m far more concerned about what politicians are trying to do than I am about this virus.

I do not think there is a worldwide conspiracy in regards to this. It is very serious for people that are elderly and do have pre-existing respiratory issues. It is almost a death sentence for that demographic.

My 84 year old mother is hunkered down at the family farm. She had a company come and fumigate the place. There are 10 worker families living on the property, all have N95 masks and the rule is if anyone leaves the farm they are not to come back. They have plenty of food and of course work.



Yes, politicians will try not to let "a crisis go to waste" but the effects go beyond that socially and economically.

If people in the demographics you described get the Flu, just as many would die, I think. Being elderly and in poor health is a recipe for disaster no matter what someone might contract. Never said it’s a worldwide conspiracy, but I’ll stand by my comments about our MSM and politicians. Most of both categories are part of the problem as far as I’m concerned.

quote:

Originally posted by DLS:

quote:

Originally posted by tanks:

quote:

Originally posted by DLS:
...

I think you’ve nailed it. The problem is people are not thinking rationally, the media keeps stirring the pot and politicians are using the pandemic as a way to expand their authority and power. I’m far more concerned about what politicians are trying to do than I am about this virus.

I do not think there is a worldwide conspiracy in regards to this. It is very serious for people that are elderly and do have pre-existing respiratory issues. It is almost a death sentence for that demographic.

My 84 year old mother is hunkered down at the family farm. She had a company come and fumigate the place. There are 10 worker families living on the property, all have N95 masks and the rule is if anyone leaves the farm they are not to come back. They have plenty of food and of course work.



Yes, politicians will try not to let "a crisis go to waste" but the effects go beyond that socially and economically.

If people in the demographics you described get the Flu, just as many would die, I think. Being elderly and in poor health is a recipe for disaster no matter what someone might contract. Never said it’s a worldwide conspiracy, but I’ll stand by my comments about our MSM and politicians. Most of both categories are part of the problem as far as I’m concerned.

And DLS...you are dead right.

The only difference is that we have good vaccines, good antivirals, and a good handle on the nature of the disease caused by the influenza virus.

60 and above with health issues...isolate until medicine gets a handle.

Less than 60 and healthy and strong...use common sense hygiene and carry on life. There is probably some gray area there for the very healthy non-smoking >60’s.

I am 55 and if travel opens later this year...may go to Africa myself...hadn’t planned on it...but may go to help my friends and use up some canceled quota in Zim.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
I think the whole world we have been living in is going to change.

Truer words have never been printed on this website!
……………………………………......…….. MacD37

: 0

Fishing it is then

quote:

Originally posted by Lhook7:

quote:

Originally posted by crshelton:
This may sound like heresy, but why not skip hunting risky areas and hunt the USA and Canada next year?

Or go fishing?

Just wondering,,,

Doesn’t the US have more cases than any other country? Does fishing somehow ward off the virus in a way that hunting does not?

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
This is my wish:

I wish everyone would quit panicking. Use common-sense precautions to get into the heat of the summer and then reassess the situation. This virus “may” die out. The vast majority 95+% are not going to get symptoms worse than a cold—fact. If you are a person with risk factors use major precautions. I believe the medical community will/already have some effective anti-viral treatment protocols along with rapid tests ready for those who get more severe illness.

No vaccine will be forthcoming for the general public until Fall of 2021...at earliest. The virus is here...we cannot hide from it...life needs to go on.

I agree with you 100%. I am certainly not saying that Covid is not to be taken serious but in reality, how long do we want to close off the world.

In Utah, there are approximately 3,000,000 people. We have had 28 deaths from Covid. 28 is far too many but more people, I would wager, have died in car accidents. They believe that our "Peak" will happen sometime this week.

I realize that there are areas of the US that are in far worse shape. However, the Media has put far too many people in panic mode.

quote:

Originally posted by Jason P:

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
This is my wish:

I wish everyone would quit panicking. Use common-sense precautions to get into the heat of the summer and then reassess the situation. This virus “may” die out. The vast majority 95+% are not going to get symptoms worse than a cold—fact. If you are a person with risk factors use major precautions. I believe the medical community will/already have some effective anti-viral treatment protocols along with rapid tests ready for those who get more severe illness.

No vaccine will be forthcoming for the general public until Fall of 2021...at earliest. The virus is here...we cannot hide from it...life needs to go on.

I agree with you 100%. I am certainly not saying that Covid is not to be taken serious but in reality, how long do we want to close off the world.

In Utah, there are approximately 3,000,000 people. We have had 28 deaths from Covid. 28 is far too many but more people, I would wager, have died in car accidents. They believe that our "Peak" will happen sometime this week.

I realize that there are areas of the US that are in far worse shape. However, the Media has put far too many people in panic mode.

I think the BIG CONCERN is not only where we are today with this, but where we may end up IF we don't take measures to shut it down now! We can see whats happening with the world economy right now, imagine if millions were to die. Reading today there are up to 30 strains of this virus! And some pretty potent. I think a lot is unknown.

How long? I think this is our II world war, that went on for years and millions died with big ramifications! It's mind blowing to think of whats happening all over the world. Those of us who are healthy today and have the money to last for sometime at least, have become numbed to it, but just think of the enormity of it for a second.

Just thinking aloud!!!!!

Arjun:

I certainly cannot argue as you live in New York and your state is unfortunately seeing a
severe pandemic.

Who knows what will happen. I believe that this will subside sooner rather than later. However,
trusting my medical opinion probably not the brightest decision one could make!

quote:

Originally posted by reddy375:

quote:

Originally posted by Jason P:

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
This is my wish:

I wish everyone would quit panicking. Use common-sense precautions to get into the heat of the summer and then reassess the situation. This virus “may” die out. The vast majority 95+% are not going to get symptoms worse than a cold—fact. If you are a person with risk factors use major precautions. I believe the medical community will/already have some effective anti-viral treatment protocols along with rapid tests ready for those who get more severe illness.

No vaccine will be forthcoming for the general public until Fall of 2021...at earliest. The virus is here...we cannot hide from it...life needs to go on.

I agree with you 100%. I am certainly not saying that Covid is not to be taken serious but in reality, how long do we want to close off the world.

In Utah, there are approximately 3,000,000 people. We have had 28 deaths from Covid. 28 is far too many but more people, I would wager, have died in car accidents. They believe that our "Peak" will happen sometime this week.

I realize that there are areas of the US that are in far worse shape. However, the Media has put far too many people in panic mode.

I think the BIG CONCERN is not only where we are today with this, but where we may end up IF we don't take measures to shut it down now! We can see whats happening with the world economy right now, imagine if millions were to die. Reading today there are up to 30 strains of this virus! And some pretty potent. I think a lot is unknown.

How long? I think this is our II world war, that went on for years and millions died with big ramifications! It's mind blowing to think of whats happening all over the world. Those of us who are healthy today and have the money to last for sometime at least, have become numbed to it, but just think of the enormity of it for a second.

Just thinking aloud!!!!!

It is enormous...but man has taken enormity to all new levels with this and not for the better. No matter how you slice it...95+% are going to be fine...at least from the virus...the "cure" may kill us all.

Lets see now, there are 33 strains (and growing) of the COVID-19.

The USA is experiencing one of the milder strains. The USA was hit on all sides as the virus came in at different points of entry.

Parts of Europe is experiencing a more severe strain, resulting in a higher death rate.

The most harsh strain is 270 greater (stronger) than the most mildest strain. Plus it is currently able to change as there are so many different strains and as it changes the list is growing.

Currently no immunization is available. Plus a person can be reinfected. Isn't that nice to know. Just because if you were infected one time, you can experience the virus a second or third time.

As different labs and countries working on a vaccine for the COVID-19 out break, it is not a sure thing to cover all the different strains. Just like the Flu vaccine, sometimes it is on target and other years it misses the boat.

I’ll worry if I get it and if it gets bad, but then I’ll fight it
This shutting down economy instead of recommending 60+ year old and with underlying conditions to stay home is somewhat irresponsible as if we can’t work and don’t pay taxes, retirements will go poof and then what?
We will be just fine in time and have to believe it otherwise we are just bunch of girly men and spoiled weak individuals

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
If DSC is held, I will be there. If not, I will send a donation or become a life member. Now is the time to support DSC and others.

Bingo.

+1

I am in no way belittling Covid-19 FOR THOSE IN THE HIGH-RISK GROUPS. For the rest of global society, our "leaders" response to Wuhan Flu is one of the biggest overreactions in human history. Vast majority of cases are 'not severe'. Many don't even know they have caught it (asymptomatic).

I feel so sorry for our outfitter friends, and every small business owner.

I can go to Walmart and buy a bike, but the local bike shop can't open. I can buy furniture at Costco, but the local furniture stores can't open.

Time to get back to business, for those who want to. My family and I will be at SCI.

For most of the past three months I have been more or less isolated in SE Arizona working on my house and property.

I had anticipated a safari with the Hurt company and e-mailed to find out their policy on deposits and travel restrictions. Here is the response from Roger Hurt:

"To answer your question about Corona making it impossible to come on your safari …. With all our current bookings for this season who haven’t been able to come due to the travel restrictions, we have allowed them to postpone their hunts until 2021 at the rate they booked for this year. If the Covid-19 Pandemic continues to cause travel issues into 2021, we will offer the same for postponement into 2022."

So, with this in hand I get to gamble on the future.

C-19 has put many people out of work, and will have profound effects on many businesses that are now suffering under the restrictions, Especially small to medium sized businesses - the backbone of the US economy. I believe that the path to economic recovery is going to be very rocky and difficult. Any vaccine will not be a magic cure - at least socially. I am praying for a quick recovery, but preparing for much worse.

quote:

Originally posted by Baker458:
I am in no way belittling Covid-19 FOR THOSE IN THE HIGH-RISK GROUPS. For the rest of global society, our "leaders" response to Wuhan Flu is one of the biggest overreactions in human history. Vast majority of cases are 'not severe'. Many don't even know they have caught it (asymptomatic).

I feel so sorry for our outfitter friends, and every small business owner.

I can go to Walmart and buy a bike, but the local bike shop can't open. I can buy furniture at Costco, but the local furniture stores can't open.

Time to get back to business, for those who want to. My family and I will be at SCI.

quote:

Originally posted by Beretta682E:

quote:

Originally posted by DuggaBoye:
go back to finance
Beretta682E

or go to med school
or get Phd in immunology

you are not comprehending "herd immunity"

Go pick a fight with him and teach him about herd immunity.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/w...people-infected.html

The policy choices already have been made in the US by federal state local And financial authorities. It ain’t betting on herd immunity. Boris Johnson tried that till reality set in on policy and he had to personally make a trip to the icu.

I doubt any cancer survivor or immuno compromised person is going to be running around next year betting on herd immunity.

Consumer behavior will be impacted. And international hunting will be impacted.

Mike

In order for herd immunity to be a factual event, you require an immunity level of at least 90%. That is a fact. It's not based on politics or agendas.

Jeff

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2...ck-place-coronavirus



Convention planners squint to see an industry rebound

With McCormick Place and other halls idle, the industry tries to imagine a post-pandemic future.

By David Roeder@RoederDavid Jun 11, 2020, 6:44am CDT

Expect deep cleaning, temperature checks and masks to be part of the convention experience, experts said.


Everything about McCormick Place is designed for crowds. When the people will be back is the question that preoccupies those in the meetings business, which has been at a standstill since March.

An early and sudden victim of attempts to control the spread of COVID-19, the convention shutdown took with it jobs in hotels, restaurants, the construction trades and contractors that make up the economic gears. The effect has been profound in cities around the U.S., but nowhere is it more noticeable than in Chicago, where McCormick Place has the title of largest convention complex in the U.S.

The distinction seems more like a burden now. Under state orders responding to the pandemic, McCormick Place and smaller halls aren’t like a shop that can reopen at limited capacity. They can come back only when the state reaches a full reopening that requires, according to its guidelines, “a vaccine or highly effective treatment widely available or the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period.”

“I think people will be up for going to events again once we get past this, whatever ‘this’ is,” said Peter Eelman, vice president of the Association for Manufacturing Technology, which has pulled the plug on McCormick Place’s biggest event of the year, the International Manufacturing Technology Show. It became the 97th event to withdraw from McCormick Place so far this year.

Scheduled for Sept. 14-19, it was to have filled every corner of McCormick Place’s 2.6 million square feet, even the little-used Lakeside Center. It’s a biennial affair and when another one comes around in 2022, “I’m sure the world will look quite a bit different,” Eelman said.

How it looks will depend on progress with COVID-19. “That will determine really how people will feel,” said one person close to McCormick Place operations. “They want to come back to events and see others in their industry, but there’s also a lot of apprehension about infections.”


Look for deep cleaning, temperature checks and masks to be part of the convention experience, experts said. Social distancing, however, could be a tougher sell over time, said Sherrif Karamat, CEO of the trade group for convention organizers, PCMA. “You and I, when we meet, we’re going to want to shake hands,” he said. “We say in this business that when you meet face to face, you see eye to eye.”

Some show sponsors may be asked to take more space at a hall so attendees can spread out. When that comes up, the sponsors might drive a hard bargain about rental rates.

Larita Clark, CEO of McCormick Place’s owner, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, said she’s prepared for those conversations, knowing that when business resumes, so will the competition with convention cities such as Las Vegas or Orlando that undercut Chicago’s costs. “They are out for our customers. Our competition might give the exhibit hall for free or offer lower hotel rates,” she said.

Working with other tourism interests, Clark said her agency doesn’t have to match other cities dollar for dollar but can put together attractive packages that account for people’s inherent desire to gather in Chicago.



She said attendees may be asked to use smaller meeting rooms, or go into rooms where three-quarters of the chairs have been removed. If shows are asked to take more space for social distancing, “we will make every attempt to hold rents steady,” Clark said.

Karamat said with working remotely now common among businesses, there may be more long-term demand for conventions and trade shows as an opportunity to get together. But for those who don’t want the in-person experience, some shows and convention halls will need to explore digital options for streaming their programs, earning extra revenue from the service, he said.


Karamat said economic projections done for PCMA show an industry rebound could start in 2021, but perhaps not until 2023 if bleaker scenarios for the virus come to pass. Some parts of the country already are reporting more cases after gatherings during the Memorial Day weekend.

The uncertainty weighs on Clark’s mind as well. Her publicly subsidized agency, commonly called McPier, a year ago brought to the Legislature a package for higher taxes on restaurant meals and more bonding authority to fund a new building and carry out at least a partial demolition of the Lakeside Center. Caught by surprise, freshly elected Mayor Lori Lightfoot objected and the plan died.

Clark said the proposal, made before she was named CEO, and any expansion talk is “off the table.”

“We believe events are going to return, but I want to see what that looks like and give events the opportunity to ramp it back up,” she said.

Ideas for the Lakeside Center, the complex’s oldest building, have included replacing it with parking and green space or making it a casino. Clark said she’ll defer to the mayor and the governor on the casino option, saying many convention planners still see gambling as a distraction for ordinary networking and selling.

In the meantime, McPier has adopted a bare-bones budget. Clark said 2,300 out of more than 2,800 employees are not working or have been laid off or furloughed. Employees still working have been asked to take 15-day furloughs, she said. Its Wintrust Arena and Marriott Marquis hotel are shut for now.

“McCormick Place isn’t going anywhere,” Clark said. With the convention industry accounting for an estimated 15,000 Illinois jobs, many will join her in rooting for it to return in fighting shape.

So far there has been a convention in San Antonio and one in Las Vegas that I attend canceled. It’s the way of things right now I’m afraid.

Around here we have the second largest playhouse district in North America and one of the top five symphony orchestras.

All the performances are cancelled with nobody knowing when they will resume. They are HOPING to start by January 1.

I don't see how DSDC and SCI will have conventions in January. If they do, social distancing will reduce attendance to the point where the conventions will lose money.

Is DSC on Zoom the future?

quote:

Originally posted by Indy:
Around here we have the second largest playhouse district in North America and one of the top five symphony orchestras.

All the performances are cancelled with nobody knowing when they will resume. They are HOPING to start by January 1.

I don't see how DSDC and SCI will have conventions in January. If they do, social distancing will reduce attendance to the point where the conventions will lose money.

Is DSC on Zoom the future?

Funny that you would say such a thing.

My wife was asking me this week if I would be going to Dallas for the DSC convention in 2021. Right now with the African PH in limbo it is difficult to make a guess if they will be over here for the conventions.

I was looking at going to both the DSC and SCI conventions in 2021. however right now I do not think that is a possibility for me.

I wish the conventions success, however I do not see an upside right now.