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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Marty Maciaszek, Director of Communications
mmaciaszek@nsga.org
(847) 296-6742, ext. 1260
DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (March 18, 2020) – The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) has been closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and recommendations for size of gatherings by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). After careful deliberation, the NSGA staff and Board of Directors decided to cancel the 2020 Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit to be held May 17-19 in Phoenix, Arizona because of developments caused by COVID-19.
“The coronavirus pandemic is causing incredibly rapid changes that must be made in our daily lives and is also leading to a lot of uncertainty on what’s ahead,” said Matt Carlson, President & CEO of NSGA. “As the pandemic escalated in the United States in the last week, it became clear that conducting this year’s Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit was no longer a wise or realistic option, particularly when the CDC made its most recent recommendation Sunday that organizers cancel or postpone larger events.”
“Schools, restaurants and retailers are closing to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Major sporting events have been canceled and sports leagues have been put on hold. Companies are instituting travel bans and major airlines are reducing flight schedules. The health and safety of our attendees, speakers and NSGA staff is of the utmost importance and not something we want to put at risk by bringing together a large group of people nationally and internationally. We wanted to let people know as soon as possible so they have enough time to alter their travel plans, hotel reservations and personal schedules.”
Over the coming days and weeks, we will be addressing the many issues arising due to cancellation of the conference. All registration fees for the 2020 Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit will be returned. NSGA will also be addressing issues such as the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Class of 2020 induction of Peter Capolino, Robert Greenberg and Klaus Obermeyer and will be working with Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Chairman Ken Meehan on alternative solutions. NSGA will have additional information on this and other programming from the conference as it becomes available.
“We truly appreciate our members and supporters sticking with us and having patience as we arrived at this decision,” Carlson said. “It is disappointing that we will not be able to hold the Management Conference this year because we know how important it is to help our attendees address many of the challenges they face. There are many more significant challenges ahead for everyone in the sporting goods industry and we wish everyone well as we navigate them together.”
NSGA closed its headquarters Monday for at least two weeks because of the coronavirus but staff will be working remotely and will be available to answer any questions or concerns by calling (847) 296-6742 or at info@nsga.org.
About the National Sporting Goods Association
Since 1929, the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) has been the leading voice and go-to resource for sporting goods retailers and dealers. NSGA helps the industry grow the business through research, advocacy and networking. For more information about membership or NSGA’s products and services, please visit nsga.org.