The ITA board of directors has unanimously decided to cancel the 2009 ITA World Expo. In a letter from Dan Humiston, ITA president, the ITA announced that, while it is optimistic about 2009, the association wants to be proactive and prudent in how it deploys its financial resources.
Like other industry groups making similar decisions this year, the board weighed a number of factors. As they started to contact key show exhibitors early this year, many of them expressed concern about the economy. While most businesses were not seeing a slow down, the overall uncertainty meant that many were not prepared to commit to the 2009 expo. This lack of firm commitments created great financial risk for the association. By canceling the show this far in advance, the ITA substantially reduces its potential financial exposure based on our contractual guarantees to the Gaylord Hotels.
The decision to cancel the show now has reduced the risk that a failed show would place on the organization. However, the profits from the tradeshow represent a very large percentage of the ITA’s annual revenue. Without the tradeshow revenue, it will be more difficult for the association to continue.
The ITA asking salon owners to ensure the continuation of the ITA by:
- Joining the ITA (if you are not currently a member).
- Getting involved. Log on to ITA website (TheITA.com) or call the ITA to volunteer in your state.
- Joining the Berman PR campaign to promote and defend tanning and UV light. (Visit www.theita.com for more information. )
- Ecouraging vendors to support the industry and become ITA members.
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