General Manager Scott Bently said in a memo on Thursday that the event plays an important economic and social role for farmers and businesses and that the executive committee and staff remains committed to holding the show as planned from September 29 through October.
“Expo continues to monitor the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its potential impact to our show,” Bently said. “As we move forward with planning, please know that future health declarations and the well-being and safety of exhibitors, attendees and volunteers are of the utmost importance and will guide our future decision making.”
He said a final decision to hold or cancel WDE 2020 will be made by the board on or before July 1. If they feel it necessary to cancel, all contracted exhibitors and sponsors will be issued refunds for any payments already made for this year’s forum.
World Dairy Expo is traditionally held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison each fall. That facility has already been recognized by state health officials as a possible treatment facility in the event that COVID-19 cases surge beyond what local hospitals can handle.
