Industry Groups Delay Spring Events

Concerns over the spread of Covid-19 led three hard-surface industry groups this weekend to postpone educational events this spring.

The Natural Stone Institute’s Stone Industry Education events for April and May will be rescheduled for later this year, noted CEO Jim Hieb in a LinkedIn post on Saturday.

The institute will postpone the Colorado Stone Summit in Denver, originally set for April 2, and the May 7 Massachusetts Stone Summit in Westwood, Mass.

“In recent days we have seen the continued spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world and here in the U.S. as well,” Hieb wrote. “With the increased availability of testing, we can expect that confirmed cases of COVID-19 will continue to grow. Minimizing travel and group events is one tactic to slow the spread of the virus and protect those with weak immune systems.”

Replacement dates will be announced at a later time.

Hieb stated that events scheduled after June 1st) will proceed as planned, which would include the New Mexico Stone Summit in Albuquerque, N.M. on June 4.

“However, we will continue to monitor the spread of the virus and make adjustments as necessary,” Hieb added.

The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) also reset two upcoming events to the second half of 2020.

The Gen2 Leadership Gathering, scheduled for March 17-18 in Memphis, Tenn., will now be held on Sept. 29-30. The April 8-10 Industry Roundtable in San Antonio is postponed until Dec. 1-3.

“Just like you, we’ve been monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on our economy, travel, and daily lives,” wrote ISFA Executive Director Amy Miller in a LinkedIn post on Saturday. “The change in climate and response to the virus has caused us to take pause and consider our impact on the situation.

“We believe in being good stewards and doing our part to slow the virus and protect those with weakened immune systems. We also recognize that the virus is causing a disruption in your businesses, and that this may not be the best time for you to travel.”

The Stone Fabricators Alliance cancelled its March 19-20 workshop at Cadenza Granite and Marble in Concord, N.C.

“The Board of Directors and workshop host believe that a large gathering and the associated travel to attend is an unnecessary risk in this uncertain time,” according to a statement from the SFA. “The safety of our members, sponsors and their families will always take priority over an SFA-sanctioned event.”

Note: Article edited from original post to include SFA cancellation.

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