By Rachel Engel
PHILADELPHIA — Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in the U.S., INTERSCHUTZ USA officials announced on Wednesday the cancelation of the 2021 conference.
Financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic also factored into the decision, according to the email sent to attendees by Dave Odden, INTERSCHUTZ USA’s show manager.
“The rise in COVID cases nationally has made it impossible for us to gather large crowds safely, reducing the benefits that gathering for INTERSCHUTZ USA is designed to provide for you,” Odden said in the statement. “This, coupled with the economic impact that COVID and COVID restrictions continue to have on safe travel, the fire service and its suppliers, and its conferences and events, make this the best decision for INTERSCHUTZ USA.”
The 2022 conference is scheduled for Oct. 18-22 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and will share the space with ROC Exhibitions.