RE: COVID-19 PIJAC Canada Cancels Vancouver Edition of the National Pet Industry Show 2020
RE: COVID-19 PIJAC Canada Cancels Vancouver Edition of the National Pet Industry Show 2020
March 13, 2020 – In light of the of the decision by the BC Ministry of Health to ban events larger than 250 people, the Vancouver Edition of the National Pet Industry Show has been cancelled. The safety and health of our community and staff is our top priority. For 20 consecutive years, PIJAC Canada has hosted a show in the west, creating an annual gathering place for the pet community in this region. While the physical show may no longer be an option, staff is working on alternate options and in the coming days the Events Team will be making an announcement. While we need a bit more time to hammer out the details, we feel both exhibitors and visitors will be pleased with the outcome.
Our goal with this show has always been to create a networking space for pet businesses to discover the latest in products, brainstorm new ideas, debate standards and learn about advancements in pet care. On behalf of everyone on the PIJAC Canada team, we appreciate your support over the last few weeks. Members have made themselves available via email, phone and social media and by staying in touch have played a vital role in helping us navigate the situation. Canada’s largest pet professional network is strong, and we are very proud to work with you all. We look forward to being in contact with you soon with more news.
Please pass this information along to your network so we can be sure to get the word out to everyone.
PIJAC Canada Board of Directors and Staff
RE: COVID-19 PIJAC Canada Event Update
March 12, 2020 – A team of PIJAC Canada staff and Board members met to discuss COVID-19’s impact on our community from both human health and business perspectives. As part of the conversation, the status of the Vancouver edition of the National Pet Trade Show on this upcoming April 26th – 27th was reviewed. Key points focused on recent phone calls with members in western Canada, the WHO’s decision to upgrade COVID-19 to pandemic status and health reports from local and provincial agencies. PIJAC Canada is closely monitoring the situation and, as such, has determined that next Tuesday March 17th, we will announce whether or not the show will proceed. We recognize the importance of this event to the western region. Please rest assured, this decision will be based on all resources available to the team. It is a challenging time for everyone, and we sincerely have appreciated your support.
The CFIB has posted a great article on protocols for small businesses which you may find helpful: Coronavirus and small business: keeping you and your employees safe
The Board of Directors and Staff at PIJAC Canada
RE: COVID-19 PIJAC Canada Events Moving Ahead
March 6, 2020 – As the Vancouver edition of the National Pet Industry Trade Show approaches, we are continuing to watch the situation regarding COVID-19. We do not currently have any plans to cancel or postpone the trade show scheduled for April 26-27, 7 weeks from now.
Like other rapidly changing health events, things can shift from day to day, so as we monitor the reports from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) for instances of illness in Canada and specifically the Vancouver-area we will provide updates on any changes. As of today PHAC website currently reports the following,
“The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada. Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available.
The risk to Canadian travellers abroad is generally low but will vary depending on the destination. The Public Health Agency of Canada is closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in other countries. Please consult the destination page on travel.gc.ca for the latest travel advice.”
The Richmond Olympic Oval has hand sanitizing stations through out the facility. As we all know, hand washing is the best defence. For official ongoing health updates, we encourage you visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website.
We want to thank our sponsors for their continued support of the show. Online pre-registrations are coming in and the official invitation for the show will be in the mail early next week.
