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Quarantines, state travel restrictions prompt NRHSA to cancel this year’s retailer show in Las Vegas

August 3, 2020 / Updated September 3, 2020

News

The National Retail Hobby Stores Association (NRHSA) canceled its October 2020 Las Vegas Table-Top Expo because of covid-19. The annual event for hobby retailers and dealers will return in September 2021.

Numerous reasons for the cancellation include a 14-day quarantine period at most U.S. airports and the recent surge of the virus in Las Vegas, NRHSA said in a news release last week.

“The risks to exhibitors and visitors would have been too great under the present circumstances, even with the most stringent controls and safeguards,” said Rob Gherman, event director.

The deciding factor was the 14-day quarantine period at airports and returning travel restrictions imposed by the individual states.

“NRHSA exhibitors and most retailers come in from various locations,” Gherman said. “Our event would not have been viable with these restrictions in place and we could not have delivered the quality show that the industry has come to expect.”

The NRHSA Table-Top Expo 2021 will be held Sept. 19-22 at The Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas.

The hobby and toy venue features 100 exhibitors, educational business seminars and outdoor demonstrations.

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