CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Ohio RV Supershow, which typically kicks off a series of major consumer events at Cleveland’s I-X Center, has canceled its January 2021 event because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Amy Girton, executive director of the Great Lakes Recreational Vehicle Association, which puts on the show, said the decision was made to ensure the safety of dealers and guests, although the uncertainty over the future of the I-X Center didn’t help matters.
“It’s a tough decision for everybody,” she said. “There have been so many moving parts.”
She said she is hopeful that some version of the show could be held later in 2021, possibly outside.
In addition, she said she recently talked with officials from the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland about possibly moving the show to that venue in 2022 – if the I-X Center is no longer available.
The privately held I-X Center Corp. operated the I-X Center for the city of Cleveland, which owns it. But I-X Center Corp. announced abruptly last month that it was closing the facility due to the downturn in event business because of the pandemic. The last major event in the 2.2-million square foot building was in February.
It’s unclear whether other major consumer events scheduled for early 2021 will go forward.
Representatives from the RV show, the Cleveland Auto Show, the Cleveland Boat Show and the Great Big Home and Garden Show met with city officials last month to plead their case for maintaining the center as a facility for consumer events.
Girton said the group had not heard back from the city in recent weeks.
The group is also seeking permission from state officials to host events that exceed mass-gathering limits imposed because of the pandemic, arguing that consumer shows should be allowed under retail guidelines.
Michelle Burke, president of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, producer of the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show, said no decision had been made about her event, scheduled to start Jan. 14.
The I-X Center, constructed in 1942 to build World War II aircraft, is on Cleveland Hopkins International Airport property, and its future is being discussed as part of the airport master-plan process, which is taking a long-term look at future growth and available infrastructure.
The city reportedly is seeking an appraisal of the property.
Latoya Hunter, director of communications for Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, said, “We are still developing a plan to address the future of the I-X Center but look forward to sharing additional details at the appropriate time.”
Girton said the center – with its vast space – is the best spot for her show, which typically includes 800 RVs on display and draws as many as 50,000 visitors. “We literally take up the entire show floor of the I-X Center,” she said.
Dealers report that as much as 30% of their annual sales come from the show. “Our greatest hope is that the city agrees to keep the I-X Center going,” said Girton.
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Ohio RV show cancels January event at I-X Center, others may follow - cleveland.com
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