CHS Leeds has been cancelled due to Covid-19, organisers have announced. Organisers CHS Group cancelled the 2020 event, scheduled for 7 July, following confirmation that host venue the firstdirect Arena is unable to accommodate the event.
CHS Leeds, formerly known as the Conference & Hospitality Show, had already rescheduled from April to July due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Emma Cartmell, CEO & founder of the CHS Group, said: “As a group, we’ve never had to cancel a show before. But these are such extraordinary times that, while it’s a massive shame, I am sure it will be seen as the responsible decision by not only our exhibitor community but by the hundreds of visitors who would normally participate in CHS Leeds.
“We have no intention of compromising our exhibitors investment in the show, or our own reputation for putting on positive, safe, and productive events for all who take part.”
The group had been following government guidelines regarding operating in a Covid and post-Covid-19 environment, and in particular awaiting information about how and when indoor business events might be able to take place. Equally, CHS Group was awaiting clarity as to whether the venue would be open and operating to accommodate the event.
“Although there still remains little usable government guidance regarding business events, we have now received confirmation that the firstdirect Arena will be unable to accommodate CHS Leeds 2020 in July, which effectively has taken away any hope of putting on an event,” added Cartmell. “This is a really hard thing to do; CHS Leeds was the first event we created as a business, it celebrated its 10th birthday last year, and is much loved by everyone that comes along. We’re a small business ourselves, so can empathise with our sponsors, exhibitors and visitors, who need these events to happen so they can make sales, run events and do business.”
The next edition of CHS Leeds will now take place on 27 April 2021. CHS Birmingham is still set to take place on 27 October 2020, with the CHS Awards taking place later in the evening. CHS Group has committed to make contact with all exhibitors individually as part of the cancellation process.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
