ConExpo, IFPE Cancellations & Changes (Updating)

ConExpo, IFPE Cancellations & Changes (Updating)

Check back, as we will be posting more updates as we become aware of them.

–Thursday, March 12, 12:00 p.m.–

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), organizer of ConExpo-Con/Agg and the co-located IFPE Show, released the following statement after the second day of the event:

We recognize the news about the new cases of COVID-19 in the Las Vegas area is a concern. Our top priority is focused on the health and safety of all participants at CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE 2020, including attendees, exhibitors, vendors, staff, industry partners, and others involved in the show.

Today the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority released a statement sharing the Southern Nevada Health District’s (SNHD) reiteration that “Clark County residents and visitors remain at ‘low risk’ of contracting the virus”.  The full statement can be read here.

We will continue to host the show through 3 p.m. on March 14.

We are continually monitoring the situation and will respond to any recommendations set by the U.S. Government or its agencies. We will continue to be transparent in our communications if new information develops.

Our Show Management has taken steps to address the spread of germs by providing heightened levels of cleanliness, including:

• Working with the LVCC to ensure additional hand sanitizers are provided throughout the shows, including Festival Grounds and Westgate.
• Providing hand sanitizers in all registration areas, media rooms, information stands, the international trade center, meeting/education spaces, workforce and VIP areas, including several areas on the show grounds.
• Providing additional hand sanitizers and cleaning protocols in all monorail stations.
• Adding staff to increase cleaning of all common areas using strong disinfectant to clean those areas used more frequently, especially tables, keyboards/screens, door handles, etc.
• Encouraging a “no handshake” policy onsite and providing buttons and stickers to attendees and exhibitors.

— Tuesday March 10, 6:58 a.m.—

And so the show begins today after a tumultuous week of announcements and exhibitor news. If there is any further news about cancellations or other show news, check back here. Otherwise our usual fare of new products, technology and industry news will be on this site as well.

— Monday, March 9, 3:39 p.m. –

Well, from the supplier side this is a big one, Germany’s ZF said it will not be fully exhibiting at ConExpo. The company’s statement:

In light of growing concerns over the COVID-19 virus and the potential for transmission in areas where large numbers of people congregate, the ZF Group decided to withdraw staff from this week’s ConExpo show in Las Vegas. The company’s display will remain on the show floor, staffed by local contract representatives, who will receive any visiting customers.

“This was a very hard decision for us to make,” said Piergiorgio di Francesco, Head of Business unit Off Highway, North America. “The health and safety of our employees is first and foremost. Given the fact that we would be asking employees to risk exposure not only on the tradeshow floor, but also in the course of their travel to and from the show, we felt it was an unacceptable risk. We join many of our customers, suppliers and competitors who have made the same decision,” Di Francesco continued.

ZF has been a long-standing exhibitor at ConExpo, and the company’s commitment the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and this event is unwavering. The company wishes the organizers the best for a safe event and looks forward to returning for ConExpo 2023.

— Monday, March 9, 1:02 p.m —

Add Trelleborg and Enerpac to the cancelled list. We’re also hearing about a number of press events, press conferences and in-booth 1-on-1’s being cancelled.

— Monday, March 9, 7:49 a.m. –

IFPE exhibitors have been proactive about reinforcing their commitments to exhibiting. The latest finds Interpump Group, through its companies Walvoil, Muncie Power and Hydra Dyne Technology, confirming its participation at IFPE-ConExpo (booth S81473). All its teams are ready and willing to welcome customers and visitors to share the latest news addressed to the Construction sector.

— Sunday, March 8 ––

More IFPE exhibitors have announced their intentions to exhibit at the show, which opens Tuesday.

Husco has also confirmed it will be attending IFPE. Technical, commercial and business development representatives will be at the booth to collaborate with OEMs. IFPE is one of the best opportunities to meet with key decision makers in the industry and Husco is excited to talk to people at the show.

QP Hydraulics said it will be at the IFPE show as planned, Booth SL80032, displaying its JSE electronic joystick and CV-D check valve. “We are, of course, primarily concerned with the health and safety of our people, so we will be following all of the recommended guidelines, including the no handshake policy.”

Meanwhile, Poclain Hydraulics said that after thought and consideration it has decided to continue as planned to exhibit at ConExpo/IFPE 2020. “We understand that some global hydraulic manufacturers have decided to withdraw, and we respect each company’s decision. We will be instructing our staff to follow the health protocols recommended by AEM and NFPA and will be fully equipped with hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies at our booth.  Please consider stopping by Poclain’s booth at S81613 and we look forward to a safe, healthy and successful show.”

— Saturday, March 7, 11:15 a.m. —

Guessing the weekend will be quieter, but we wonder about Monday.

Bucher Hydraulics confirmed its attendance at IFPE. The hydraulics manufacturer said: Bucher Hydraulics is excited to partake in the Con Expo-Con Agg & IFPE 2020. The Bucher team will be there in full force and we will be unveiling our new revolutionary AX Piston products. Bucher is of course all about safety and we will make sure to take the right steps so that our employees and our booth visitors are safe. We look forward to a great show and we welcome you all into the wonderful world of Bucher Hydraulics at booth S82119.

— Friday, March 6, 4:47 pm —

AEM has issued an ConExpo update. Some of the information was reported here previously, but there is also very interesting news about Volvo CE’s participation.

From AEM:

An overwhelming majority of ConExpo -Con/Agg exhibitors have confirmed their participation in next week’s show in Las Vegas.

“With all the news about COVID-19 and the speculation regarding ConExpo -Con/Agg & IFPE, I want to provide an update on planning, including commitments and cancellations. Here is where we stand,” said AEM President Dennis Slater.

• Travel restrictions related to international travel and corporate policies have impacted some companies that planned to exhibit at the show.
• The ConExpo-Con/Agg cancellations that we’ve received represent 44,950 sq. ft. out of 2.7 million net sq. ft. of exhibit space, which represents about 1.7% of the total space. We’ve re-sold 15,000 sq. ft. of this cancelled space. 

Volvo CE

• Volvo CE continues to have their display at the show with hired staff. Here is the Volvo statement:

“Since announcing our decision to withdraw from Conexpo-Con/Agg 2020 due to the coronavirus, Volvo CE has been working very closely with our partners at AEM to determine the best path forward.

At this point in preparations it would not be possible for Volvo CE to remove the equipment and dismantle the booth before the show begins. Instead, a small number of locally hired independent staff will remain on the site for the duration of the show. The booth will be ready for show opening on Tuesday March 10th.

Volvo CE is deeply appreciative of AEM’s collaboration in this difficult moment and recognizes the great value that the Conexpo-Con/Agg show brings to our industry and our customers every three years.”

• No major exhibitors have cancelled from CONEXPO-CON/AGG and many companies are reconfirming their commitment to participate. We appreciate their leadership and commitment to our industry, equipment end-users and our members.
• We may see more cancellations, but the majority of cancellations have been limited to booths 400 sq. ft. and under.For attendance, we have added 18,000 new registrants since Feb. 21 when the travel restrictions and coronavirus started to have an impact. That total is far outpacing the last show and also our cancellations to date.

• Customer cancellations are focused on international registrants and some big U.S. corporate customers placing travel restrictions.Total registrations as of yesterday is over 120,000 and climbing. Even if the cancellations total 10,000, which they don’t to date, we have a huge audience of customers coming to the show.

• For IFPE, the event has been harder hit by cancellations due to the large international exhibitor presence and corporate travel policies.
• The IFPE cancellations that we’ve received represent 34,680 sq ft., which represents about 20% of the show floor. We’ve re-sold 3300 sq. ft. of this cancelled space.

“We know customers are committed to attending the show in numbers and they are expecting to see and purchase equipment from the manufacturers of the best equipment in the world,” said Slater.

Please know we are committed to hosting safe and successful shows. Our top priority is focused on the health and safety of all participants at ConExpo-Con/Agg & IFPE 2020, including attendees, exhibitors, vendors, staff, industry partners, and others involved in the shows.

More information about the precautions we are taking can be found here https://www.conexpoconagg.com/visit/covid-19-update.

— Friday March 6, 3:59 pm –

Carlisle Brake & Friction has also announced they are not attending.

— Friday March 6,2:07 pm –

A very well done, “staying in” message from Patrick Taylor, CEO TH Holdings.

Texas Hydraulics, Oilgear and Hydromotion are committed to ConExpo-Con/Agg & IFPE 2020. Safety is who we are as a company and we are approaching next week with the same commitment. We are taking the necessary precautions to keep our employees, customers and partners who visit our booth safe. We look forward to seeing our customers and partners next week and will welcome them into our booth enthusiastically – but without a handshake.

— Friday March 6, 1:51 pm –

It’s interesting in the many, many discussions we have had, and are having, about pulling out or staying in ConExpo-Con/Agg & IFPE, that fear of the coronavirus as an illness is mentioned less often than the logistical issues.

Fear of being quarantined, concern over getting flights out of Las Vegas, or for the Europeans especially, finding flights to get to the U.S., often weigh heavier on the decision than catching the coronavirus.

— Friday March 6, 12:53 pm –

Holland’s Maga Tyres is the latest from the supplier ranks to announce it was not going to exhibit at ConExpo-Con/Agg

— Friday March 6,11:50 am —

Dana Inc. announced that the company and its staff will not participate in the ConExpo-Con/Agg tradeshow. The company made the following statement:

“The safety of our employees, customers, suppliers, and the public is our highest priority, which is why after careful consideration, and out of an abundance of caution, we made the difficult decision to withdraw our participation from the ConExpo exhibition in Las Vegas. The situation surrounding the novel COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak continues to evolve and we believe it is important to, where possible, reduce the risk of exposure for our team.

We have made this decision as a precautionary measure but remain committed to the ConExpo-Con/Agg tradeshow and look forward to the next edition in 2023.”

— Friday March 6,10:50 am —

More drops announced.

Due to growing concerns related to Coronavirus Covid-19, Enovation Controls has decided to not exhibit at Conexpo and IFPE 2020 next week in Las Vegas, Nevada. Working with our parent and sister companies, we have decided that the best way to ensure the health and safety of our staff, customers and communities was to withdraw. We look forward to connecting with our customers and partners at future events and wish good health to those still attending.

Regretfully, Sun Hydraulics and Helios have decided that for the safety and health of our teams, we will not be attending and exhibiting at ConExpo-Con/Agg & IFPE next week. We are sorry we will miss the opportunity to meet with old friends and make new ones, but we still have a lot of exciting new things to share with you and the industry.

Make sure to check back soon for announcements about upcoming Sun events, including webinars, where we will bring our trade show booth to you online. In the meantime, stay healthy.

API Heat Transfer: The health and safety of our employees, customers and partners is a top priority at API/TTP, so we have made the difficult decision to withdraw from exhibiting at ConExpo-Con/Agg this year due to concerns about the coronavirus. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime at http://bit.ly/39ogwm7 or (877) 274-4328. We look forward to connecting with many attendees of ConExpo-Conn/Agg, including our customers and industry partners, in the coming months.

— Friday March 6, 9:50 am —

And ditto Skyjack. Skyjack has sent KHL the following statement.

“Following suit with our company’s philosophy we’ll keep this announcement simple and reliable. Skyjack intends on attending ConExpo 2020 next week. As a result of Covid-19 concerns, and the ripple effect that has, we’ve had team members, customers, and fellow OEMs opt-out of this year’s show, however we are still attending. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and the team that has elected to attend the show intends on taking precautions to protect themselves and our customers from the virus.

“We’ve created health and safety awareness posters, which will be distributed throughout our booth. These promote ConExpo’s ’no handshake’ policy that was announced earlier this week. If you’re attending the show as well, come see our team at Festival Grounds F6014 and experience our easy to do business with attitude.”

— Friday March 6, 9:49 am —

Deutz is staying in. Germany’s Deutz AG and its Deutz Corp. Americas operations reaffirmed it is exhibiting at ConExpo-Con/Agg. Deutz said that the senior management teams from Germany and the U.S. will be attending the show. Deutz, one of the world’s oldest diesel engine manufacturers, has been making significant moves into additional sources of propulsion and is viewing ConExpo-Con/Agg, as it did at bauma, as a major opportunity to continue to promote their on-going developments.

— Friday, March 6 – 8:57 am

NFPA and AEM have issued the following. There is some especially good perspective in the AEM comments.

From Eric Lanke, president and CEO of the National Fluid Power Association.

One of the things that makes IFPE a must-attend fluid power show is its co-location with ConExpo-Con/Agg, and that co-location is intact, and stronger than ever. Please review the following facts (below) from our show partner, AEM, about the current status of the two shows. NFPA remains committed to the safe and successful launch of the show early next week.

From Dennis Slater, president of AEM:

With all the news about the coronavirus and the speculation regarding ConExpo-Con/Agg and IFPE, I want to provide an update on planning, including commitments and cancellations. Here is where we stand:

• No other major exhibitors have cancelled from ConExpo-Con/Agg and these companies are reconfirming their commitment to participate. We appreciate their leadership and commitment to our industry, your customers and our members.
• To put it in perspective, regardless of what you are hearing about mass cancellations, a total of 108,450 net sq. ft. of exhibit space has been cancelled out of 2.7 million net sq. ft., or roughly 4% for ConExpo-Con/Agg.
• That number may grow somewhat, but the overwhelming majority of cancellations have been limited to booths 400 sq. ft. and under.
• We have already resold 15,500 sq. ft. of this cancelled exhibit space.
• We will go into the show with one of the largest ConExpo-Con/Agg’s ever.
• For attendance, we have added 16,383 new registrants since Feb. 21 when the travel restrictions and coronavirus started to have an impact. That total is far outpacing the last show and also our cancellations to date.
• Customer cancellations are focused on international registrants and some big U.S. corporate customers placing travel restrictions.
• Total registrations as of yesterday is over 118,000 and climbing. Even if the cancellations total 10,000, which they don’t, we have over 100,000 registrants and climbing.
• These are your customers who have paid to come to the show and are expecting to see and purchase your equipment. They are committed to attending.
• For IFPE, that event has been harder hit by cancellations due to a large international exhibitor presence and corporate travel policies.
• Four major IFPE exhibitors – Parker Hannifin, Eaton, Danfoss and Bosch Rexroth – have cancelled, bringing the total to 28,780 sq. ft. or 16.9% of the 170,000 sq. ft. of floor space. Even with these cancellations, 83% of exhibit space remains.

— Friday, March 6 – 8:41 am

IFPE, which has really been hit hard by cancellations, now has another one.

“It is with deep regret that Kawasaki Hydraulics will be canceling our participation at IFPE/ConExpo 2020.

Kawasaki Hydraulics has always been a strong supporter of IFPE/ConExpo. We continue to believe in its value and purpose. However, the health and safety of our team members and valued customers is and must remain paramount. Because COVID-19 is a novel virus with an increased community spread, we have no choice but to take this extraordinary and precautionary measure.”

We look forward to a strong event at IFPE/ConExpo 2023.”

— Friday, March 6 –

And this won’t help. The Associated Press is reporting that Las Vegas said Thursday that it has its first case of coronavirus — a man in his 50s who recently returned from a trip to Washington state.

The patient has been hospitalized in an isolation unit. For perspective, Las Vegas has 2.6 million residents and draws more than 40 million visitors a year.

— Friday, March 6 –

There is absolutely no way we can be comprehensive about all this. Some companies are just quietly pulling out without making an announcement, but we’re trying. It’s moving very fast now. One major manufacturer told us early this morning, “we’re still in, but it’s a very fluid situation right now.”

What we are hearing this morning is that many of the bigger European companies are not sending their senior management, or else sending smaller numbers. Northern Italy’s Platform Basket was the latest confirmed company to pull out. We are also hearing unconfirmed reports that many of the aggregate producers will not be attending. Again, unconfirmed, and we are trying to avoid reporting anything we cannot confirm.

— Friday, March 6 –

Will Friday be the day more domino’s fall, or the quiet before the show starts on Tuesday? The rumor mill is working overtime, so we’re guessing the former might be the case.

— Thursday, March 5, 4:21 pm —

IFPE takes another hit as Bosch/Rexroth pulls out. That means four of the fluid power majors, Danfoss, Parker, Eaton and Bosch/Rexroth are out.

— Thursday, March 5, p.m. —

The other side of the coin. Even with all the cancellations, we’re still getting more than a few –“we’re gonna be there” calls and emails.

Cross Manufacturing:  Understandably, some global hydraulic manufacturers have decided not to attend IFPE/ConExpo. For Cross Manufacturing, the (trade) show goes on.  Our team will be in the south hall, booth S81323 with our durable, dependable, hydraulic components that serve the fluid power needs of hard-working equipment around the globe. We hope you stop by and say hello.

Bergstrom Inc.: Bergstrom Inc. will be displaying a range of systems and components at ConExpo-Con/Agg booth S65107. John Bracey and Yevgeniy Beygel would be happy to share more about Bergstrom’s new eCoolPark system – an electric, no-idle A/C system that can be integrated into a vehicle’s existing HVAC system. They can also share about NITE SSI (a premier battery-operated A/C split system), excavator HVAC systems and more.

Hydraforce: HydraForce is moving forward with their plans to participate in IFPE 2020 and looks forward showcasing their latest technology to ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020 attendees. “HydraForce understands the many concerns regarding COVID-19.” said David Price, IFPE Show Chairman. “We echo the sentiments published by AEM and NFPA regarding the health and safety of attendees and will adhere to the protocols they have prescribed regarding personal contact with other show attendees.  Our decision at this time is to participate as planned in a safe and successful IFPE in Las Vegas, March 10-14.”

“HydraForce will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will comply fully with WHO and CDC recommendations should anything change. We believe that IFPE is the best show in our industry, and we are looking forward to many successful meetings with our customers.”

— Thursday, March 5, p.m. —

This is a big one for ConExpo-Con/Agg.

All business areas within the Volvo Group have jointly decided to not attend Conexpo-Con/Agg 2020 due to the outbreak and continuing concerns relating to the Coronavirus Covid-19.

“With California joining Washington State and Florida in declaring a state of emergency to contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus Covid-19, all business areas within the Volvo Group have decided to withdraw from their participations in next week’s ConExpo exhibition in Las Vegas, Nev. This includes all relevant Volvo business areas, Volvo Construction Equipment, Volvo Penta, Volvo Financial Services, Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks, SDLG and Terex Trucks.

“We are great supporters of ConExpo, and despite being in advanced preparations for this year’s event, we believe it is the right thing to do to withdraw at this late stage. Our first concern is the wellbeing of employees, customers and the wider public,’ said Melker Jernberg, executive VP & president of Volvo CE.

“It’s very disappointing not to be attending, but our first priority is the health and safety of our employees and others. Given this, it is with reluctance that it has been decided not to participate in this year’s show.”

– Thursday, March 5, p.m. – Other than reports of a variety of exhibitor traveling teams being cut back, mostly from Europe, it has gone quiet again. (That didn’t last long).

A number of you have asked about KHL’s attendance. For us, attendance at ConExpo-Con/Agg & IFPE, like many other companies, has been left up to the individual attendee’s discretion. Most of us are going. That matches up with some anecdotal comments we have heard, like one exhibitor that is sending around 200 people, left it up to the individuals, and four people dropped out. Hearing that more often than not.

Scania – Thursday March 5 – Well that didn’t last long. The Scania Executive Board has implemented measures to mitigate the risk of Coronavirus transmission for Scania employees. These measures include that international travel should be avoided and all large meetings and events with international participants must be postponed or cancelled. As a consequence we deeply regret to inform that Scania cancels its participation at ConExpo-Con/Agg & IFPE 2020. 

– Thursday, March 5 – So far, a quiet morning, though the suspicion is there are a lot of meetings being held. One common question for those holding press events is “how many press will be there? A cursory check has revealed most of the companies are putting it on an “at the individual’s discretion basis.” Our guess is it will parallel the overall picture. Asian and European press are iffy as well as the more “peripheral” press. 

Danfoss — March 4 4:30 pm –

After very careful consideration, Danfoss has taken the decision to cancel its participation at this year’s ConExpo/IFPE due to the ongoing increase of confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) worldwide. Safety comes first at Danfoss – not only for our employees, but also for their families and communities and we are in general restricting travel and participation in events with many participants.

IFPE/ConExpo is a great opportunity for us to engage with our customers, and while the risks may be minimal, there is absolutely no risk that we are willing to take when it comes to the health and safety of our people around the world, Danfoss Power Solutions said.

We’re looking forward to sharing our knowledge and solutions, thus our experts will be connecting with customers beginning next week online in lieu of being physically present at the trade show

That means three of the major global hydraulic manufacturers will not be at the show.

AEM — March 4 12:52 pm –

AEM tells KHL; “absolutely not cancelling the event. Not even a discussion. Most AEM staff are onsite and preparations/booth building is going well.

Parker Hannifin –March 4, 21:02 GMT –

Parker has made a difficult, but thoughtfully considered decision, to not participate as an exhibitor or as attendees at IFPE/ConExpo 2020 next week.

With the coronavirus COVID-19 continuing to spread, and with more than 200 Parker team members attending globally, they believe it is prudent for them not to travel. Parker’s priority is to protect the health and safety of its team members and the communities where they live and work.

We continue to support the show and its organizers and look forward to another great event at IFPE/ConExpo 2023.

Eaton Hydraulics – March 4, 8:42 a.m. – (Eaton has since confirmed it will not attend) “I wanted to reach out with an update that Eaton will be limiting employee attendance at upcoming tradeshows and conferences. The company will be limiting travel and presence at large-scale gatherings in response to the overall guidance of leadership in taking precautionary and preventive health measures due to COVID-19.

“In lieu of a meeting at IFPE/ConExpo, we’re hoping to connect with you in a different way next week or following the event. We have several experts ready to talk with you when you’re available—the conversation will just need to be over the phone rather than at our booth.”

Wacker Neuson – March 3, 2:28 pm —

Due to the health and safety of our staff and those attending ConExpo-Con/Agg, Wacker Neuson is canceling the press conference scheduled in our booth for Wednesday, March 11 from 7:30 to 9:00 am.

We are still expecting to have a great show, and despite a more limited staff, we