News Associations
CPMA cancels upcoming convention amid COVID-19 concerns

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) cancelled its annual CPMA Convention and Trade Show, scheduled for May 12 to 14, 2020 in Toronto, amid COVID-19 concerns.

“In light of the rapid escalation of safety precautions to decrease the transmission of COVID-19, and recommendations of municipal, provincial and federal governments regarding large gatherings, the CPMA Board of Directors and 2020 CPMA Convention and Trade Show Organizing Committee have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 CPMA Convention and Trade Show,” CPMA’s statement read.

“The CPMA board of directors has made the right decision to cancel this event. The health of our global community is our top priority and we fully support government efforts to eliminate the transmission of COVID-19,” said Oleen Smethurst, chair of the CPMA board of directors, in a released statement.

CPMA has listed the following option for exhibitors, sponsors and attendees who had already paid and planned to attend:

• Carry forward booth purchases and sponsorships to the 2021 CPMA Convention and Trade Show in Vancouver, B.C., with 100 per cent of payments to date being transferred to the 2021 CPMA Convention and Trade Show.
• CPMA will be offering 100 per cent refunds on ticket sales, including Full Delegate passes, Trade Show only passes, Retail Tour, Chair’s Welcome Reception, Companion Program, After Party, and CPMA Annual Banquet.
• CPMA is offering refunds of 80 per cent to any exhibitors or sponsors wishing to cancel their participation in the 2020 CPMA Convention and Trade Show (fees, expenses and penalties have been incurred for advanced preparations that prevent CPMA from refunding the full amount).

The CPMA’s annual general meeting, which is traditionally conducted as part of the Convention and Trade Show agenda, will be changed to a virtual meeting. Details on this event will be sent to members as soon as they are confirmed.