Several weeks ago, the Taipei Bike Show was canceled due to the Coronavirus; earlier today NAHBS announced that the Handmade Bicycle Show will be postponed until August; and we just got a note from the president and CEO of the Sea Otter Classic…

After wreaking havoc on the electronics industry, the coronavirus outbreak is starting to weigh heavily on events in the bike industry. Not to add to the hysteria, but it’s a bit of a bummer to see these shows getting canceled and postponed. Just a few weeks ago, the Taipei Bike Show—which was supposed to be going on as we speak—was canceled. Earlier today NAHBS (North American Handmade Bicycle Show) was postponed until August (find details below). And just a few minutes ago we got a note from the CEO of the Sea Otter Classic saying that they are “carefully monitoring the coronavirus situation. We’ve been in discussions with various agencies to determine the best course of action regarding the 2020 Sea Otter Classic. Your health and welfare is our primary concern.” We’ll keep an eye on things, but hopefully the show will go on…

To the NAHBS community,

As I sit here watching the news, there is nothing positive about the state of the world in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Its grasp on the planet is ever-strengthening as it continues to spread globally, including Europe, Asia, and now here in the USA.

Based on current news reports and travel restrictions, and in talking to many NAHBS exhibitors, media, and partners over the past week, I’ve made the difficult decision to postpone NAHBS and reschedule this year’s show. As a global show that attracts people from all parts of the world, and in evaluating the current variables and public health risks, I feel this is in everyone’s best interest.

The new dates for NAHBS 2020 are Friday August 21st – Sunday August 23rd at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Move in date for exhibitors will be Thursday August 20th.

Exhibitor booth space purchased for the March 20 – 22 show dates will be carried over to the August 21 – 23 dates. We’ll provide each exhibitor a new contract reflecting new show dates in the coming days. For anyone that has any questions or concerns, or that is unable to attend NAHBS 2020 in August, please contact me at don@handmadebicycleshow.com or by phone at 502-424-2225.

This was an extremely hard decision to make, as I know we’ve all been preparing throughout the winter and early spring for this gathering of our industry. I understand all of the sacrifices and expenses that have been incurred and understand the inconvenience of this situation for everyone. But my primary priority is to protect the health and safety of our amazing community and feel postponing the show is in our best interest.

I’m praying diligently that everyone in our industry remains safe and healthy, and I look forward to seeing everyone in August. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

—Don Walker, NAHBS Founder & President

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