Officials have already cancelled the 2021 Work Truck Show amid concerns surrounding the persisting COVID 19 pandemic.
NTEA, the Association for the Work Truck Industry, has chosen to cancel the show originally scheduled for early March 2021, believing that the in-person event in Indianapolis would not be feasible for 2021 because of the corona virus pandemic.
Although there are currently no known plans for a virtual replacement to the event, the next Work Truck Week is expected to return to Indianapolis March 8-11, 2022.
“After extensive and careful deliberation, we have realized a typical Work Truck Week is not possible in 2021. The health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors and staff is paramount, and was a driving factor in the Board of Directors assessing the feasibility of the 2021 event. Doing what’s right for the work truck industry is NTEA’s number-one priority and commitment, which is why it was extremely hard — but ultimately necessary — to make this decision. We know each year the commercial vehicle industry relies on this event to further business opportunities and strengthen professional connections,” reads a joint statement from the association’s Board of Directors Chairman Peter Miller and NTEA President & CEO Steve Carey.
“For the last several months, we have collaborated closely with our partners in Indianapolis to find creative solutions. However, due to necessary restrictions imposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, options for delivering a high-quality, productive in-person event are not possible. We cannot confidently ensure attendees, exhibitors and industry stakeholders will be able to accomplish their goals or get what they need (and rightfully expect) from Work Truck Week,” the statement continues.
“NTEA is now focusing on identifying ways to best support our members and the industry in the year ahead while planning for 2022. While we do not feel Work Truck Week can be adequately captured in a virtual setting, there are potential opportunities to share education and connect industry businesses. More information will be released in the coming weeks.”
In addition to the cancellation of the 2021 Work Truck Show, a GATS 2021 cancellation was announced in early October, along with the 2020 IAA Commercial Vehicles event, held every two years in Hanover, Germany, which will not return until 2022.