Calgary Renovation Show returns as an in-person event for the first time in 2 years – Calgary | The Canadian News

The Calgary Renewal Show he returned in person for the first time in almost two years. Show manager Kristy Cairns said many factors were considered in making the decision.

“It’s been a challenging time for our consumers and our exhibitors and we’ve had to jump through a lot of hurdles, but we’ve adhered to all safety protocols,” said Cairns.

The organizers recognize that not everyone will feel comfortable attending the event.

“We’re maximizing cleanliness and we’re not encouraging people to come and congregate, the aisles won’t be crowded,” Cairns said.

“If people are worried about going down, we know this is not going to be a very well attended event and we have those shoulder times to go down, a little bit calmer.”

The Calgary Fall Home Show in 2021 was a pointer to planning.

Last year the event went ahead with some modifications. There were no celebrity appearances or main stage performances due to COVID-19 mass gathering restrictions.

They had also created a virtual showroom where people could research exhibitors safely from home.

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“Our fall show showed us that exhibitors and homeowners were eager for the opportunity to return safely in person for the best tips, tricks and advice for all kinds of home improvement,” said Cairns. “Our Renewal Show will only build on that momentum.”

Jenn Duxbury is one of the show providers. She owns The watermark store, an online decoration store. As a small business owner, she said this show is critical.

“At first we weren’t sure what to expect, but many exhibitors rely on this show for plenty of opportunities for the year. The program is a huge part of our community,” Duxbury said. “It helps build our brand and put a face behind our business.”

Friends Brooke Gerard and Jennifer Gainer felt comfortable attending the show and said it was a refreshing return to business as usual.

“I’m ready to feel normal. We try to make smart decisions. I don’t go to a bar, but in this environment, we can control how many people and the masks never come off,” Gerard said.

“That’s why we chose early in the afternoon: A lot of people here are in a low-risk environment,” Gainer said.

The Calgary Renovation Show will take place January 14-16 at the BMO Center.

Other previously scheduled events at the BMO Center made a different decision. The 2022 Calgary International Auto & Truck Show has been cancelled.

Organizers said that despite initial optimism and much preliminary planning to hold the show in person at the BMO Center from March 9-13, 2022, Jim Gillespie, executive manager of the Calgary Automobile Dealers Association (CMDA), expressed regret at having to make the announcement. But he said the team was left with no choice.

“On December 16, 2021, the CMDA Executive Board and member dealers made the difficult decision to cancel the 2022 Calgary International Auto & Truck Show as well as the 2022 Vehicles & Violins,” said Gillespie. “The safety of our member partners, sponsors and distributors came first and foremost in our decision.”

“Due to all the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, as of mid-December, all authorized Canadian Auto Shows canceled their 2022 shows. We are determined to support even stronger in 2023.”