2020 Cancellation
GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. Why is World Dairy Expo 2020 cancelled?
2. Who made the decision to cancel World Dairy Expo 2020?
3. Why was the decision made now and not later?
4. What is Forward Dane and Emergency Order #3?
5. Will there be some type of virtual show?
6. Did you consider relocating the show for 2020?
7. Will there be a 2021 World Dairy Expo?
8. What will the theme be in 2021?
9. Will World Dairy Expo remain financially solvent without a show this year?
10. Did you consider event modifications like limiting attendance, instituting social distancing, using face coverings or temperature checks?
11. Has World Dairy Expo ever been cancelled before?
12. Will industry events (meetings/banquets/reunions) that are held at World Dairy Expo still take place?
13. Can I still purchase Purple Cow merchandise?
14. Will World Dairy Expo 2021 be different from the 2019 show?
15. Will my 2020 official letter of invitation work to obtain a travel VISA for the 2021 show?
16. Are other events at the Alliant Energy Center affected?
17. Did the cancellation of the Wisconsin State Fair or other large events have an impact on the decision to cancel World Dairy Expo?
DAIRY CATTLE SHOW QUESTIONS
18. We need a show!
19. Can we have a standalone Dairy Cattle Show?
20. Did WDE consider hosting a virtual Dairy Cattle Show?
21. Will WDE cattle sales still take place?
22. This is my last year of eligibility for the Junior Breed Shows and Youth Contests. Will I be able to compete as a junior at World Dairy Expo 2021?
TRADE SHOW QUESTIONS
23. Will I receive a refund? How and when will I receive my refund?
24. Am I requried to receive a refund, or can Expo carry over my payment to the 2021 show?
25. Will I get my booth space and/or sponsorship selection back next year?
26. Will I receive a refund for any other expenses that I have incurred in preparation for World Dairy Expo 2020?
27. Can I reserve my booth space and/or sponsorship selection now for 2021?
28. How can I ask additional questions?
________________________________________________________
GENERAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. Why is World Dairy Expo 2020 cancelled?
The World Dairy Expo Executive Committee reached this difficult decision based on the public health orders and restrictions related to COVID-19 in place and issued by Public Health Madison & Dane County. The Alliant Energy Center, home to World Dairy Expo, is a county-owned facility that falls under the jurisdiction of Emergency Order #3 and Forward Dane, the phased reopening plan for Dane County. Public health officials predict Dane County may be in the third phase of the plan when World Dairy Expo is set to occur. This phase includes a limit of 250 people at outdoor events, eliminating any possibility that World Dairy Expo, as people know it today, can take place.
return to top
2. Who made the decision to cancel World Dairy Expo 2020?
The World Dairy Expo Executive Committee has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic for months, and ultimately, this group made the difficult decision. The decision to cancel the event was based on public health orders and restrictions related to COVID-19, in place and issued by Public Health Madison & Dane County.
return to top
3. Why was the decision made now and not later?
World Dairy Expo previously shared that a decision regarding the 2020 show would be made and announced on July 1. However, based on the Forward Dane plan, released by Public Health Madison & Dane County on May 22, and signed into action by Emergency Order #3, the decision to not hold World Dairy Expo 2020 was made earlier than originally anticipated. We hope the decision to announce this disappointing news sooner allows our exhibitors and attendees to save resources during this time of heightened economic hardships.
return to top
4. What is Forward Dane and Emergency Order #3?
Forward Dane is a phased reopening plan created by Public Health Madison & Dane County. The plan outlined in Forward Dane was set into action by Emergency Order #3. Links to both of these public health documents can be found here: https://publichealthmdc.com/documents/Forward_Dane.pdf
https://publichealthmdc.com/documents/2020-05-22_Order_3.pdf
return to top
5. Will there be some type of virtual show?
No, World Dairy Expo will not be hosting a virtual show in place of the version of Expo we all know and love. Expo is so much more than the events that take place during the show. There is networking, camaraderie and a sense of coming home for so many, that unfortunately can’t be recreated over a computer screen or mobile device.
return to top
6. Did you consider relocating the show for 2020?
Yes, however, the Alliant Energy Center and Madison, Wisconsin have been Expo’s home for 53 years. With this rich history comes critical infrastructure for a show of Expo’s size and scope. Beyond the physical footprint of the campus, World Dairy Expo relies on dedicated and trained volunteers, a paid labor force and established event partners.
return to top
7. Will there be a 2021 World Dairy Expo?
Yes, World Dairy Expo 2021 is scheduled for September 28 - October 2 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
return to top
8. What will the theme be in 2021?
The 2020 theme “Instrumental to the Industry” will transition to 2021.
return to top
9. Will World Dairy Expo remain financially solvent without a show this year?
World Dairy Expo is fortunate to have a skilled Finance Committee that has worked hard to ensure Expo is financially viable for years to come. Through a diversified economic portfolio and judicious oversight of show income and expenses, the committee and staff have positioned the organization to remain solvent even in the event that the annual show would be cancelled.
return to top
10. Did you consider event modifications like limiting attendance, instituting social distancing, using face coverings or temperature checks?
While modifications were considered, the limitations outlined in the Forward Dane plan made holding World Dairy Expo at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin impossible. Public health officials predict Dane County may be in the third phase of the plan when World Dairy Expo is set to occur. This phase includes a limit of 250 people at outdoor events, eliminating any possibility that World Dairy Expo, as people know it today, can take place.
return to top
11. Has World Dairy Expo ever been cancelled before?
This is the first time World Dairy Expo has been cancelled in its 53-year history.
return to top
12. Will industry events (meetings/banquets/reunions) that are held at World Dairy Expo still take place?
While World Dairy Expo provides a venue for many industry events, the decision to hold these events will be made by each host organization.
return to top
13. Can I still purchase Purple Cow merchandise?
We are exploring an online store for the Purple Cow Gift Shop. More information will be shared when available.
return to top
14. Will World Dairy Expo 2021 be different from the 2019 show?
World Dairy Expo Board of Directors and staff will be using this time to strategically evaluate all components of the event to ensure a strong future and excellent experience for all WDE attendees, exhibitors and sponsors.
return to top
15. Will my 2020 official letter of invitation work to obtain a travel VISA for the 2021 show?
No, a 2021 official letter of invitation will need to be requested. The VISA Letter Request Form will be available January 1, 2021 on Expo’s website.
return to top
16. Are other events at the Alliant Energy Center affected?
World Dairy Expo’s staff is only responsible for the planning and execution of World Dairy Expo. For a complete list of events taking place at the Alliant Energy Center, please visit alliantenergycenter.com.
return to top
17. Did the cancellation of the Wisconsin State Fair or other large events have an impact on the decision to cancel World Dairy Expo?
No, Expo’s decision to cancel is unrelated to other events and governed by differing county codes and regulations unique to Madison and Dane County.
return to top
DAIRY CATTLE SHOW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
18. We need a show!
Yes, the WDE Executive Committee, Board of Directors and staff want a show, too! However, it is not possible in 2020 based on the public health orders and restrictions related to COVID-19, that are in place and issued by Public Health Madison & Dane County. It is important to remember that Expo’s Dairy Cattle Show welcomes more than 1,600 exhibitors from 34 U.S. states and 7 Canadian provinces all showcasing more than 2,300 cattle. The size and scope of Expo’s Dairy Cattle Show is vast and also requires hundreds of volunteers, numerous partners, a large force of paid labor, and that is simply on the WDE show side. Dairy cattle exhibitors still have barn crews, friends and family who are needed to safely transport cattle across the country, care for them at the show and prepare them for the Showring.
‘We need a show’ has been our rallying cry since the first show in 1967. That passion for a world-class dairy cattle show and event has not diminished. Expo’s commitment remains rooted in the dairy industry and the cancellation of the 2020 show only makes us more resolute to return in 2021 with a show worthy of the name, World Dairy Expo.
return to top
19. Can we have a standalone Dairy Cattle Show?
While Expo’s Dairy Cattle Show is certainly iconic, World Dairy Expo is more than a dairy cattle show. World Dairy Expo is a multidimensional event, encompassing numerous platforms. Simply focusing on one piece of the Expo puzzle diminishes the value of the global dairy industry’s meeting place. Additionally, a standalone dairy cattle show is fiscally irresponsible and would be detrimental to the longevity and viability of World Dairy Expo.
We are fortunate to have state-of-the-art cattle housing facilities at the Alliant Energy Center to accommodate the impressive cattle exhibited at World Dairy Expo. This is part of the limitation regarding the ability to move the show somewhere else. The other part is Expo’s critical human infrastructure of dedicated, trained volunteers and paid labor force that are available in the Madison area. These limitations lead us to adhere to the orders of Public Health Madison & Dane County.
Public health officials predict Dane County may be in the third phase of the Forward Dane public health plan when World Dairy Expo is set to occur. This phase includes a limit of 250 people at outdoor events, eliminating any possibility that any piece of World Dairy Expo could occur. This 250-person limit is also stated in the national guidelines created by the CDC.
return to top
20. Did WDE consider hosting a virtual Dairy Cattle Show?
If you have ever graced the colored shavings, stood along the rail or watched one of WDE’s breed shows on ExpoTV, you know the caliber of cattle presented at Expo is like none other in the world. To maintain the integrity of each breed show that makes up World Dairy Expo’s Dairy Cattle Show, a virtual show has been deemed not possible.
return to top
21. Will WDE cattle sales still take place?
WDE-sanctioned cattle sales may be rescheduled and/or reformatted at the discretion of their specific sale management.
return to top
22. This is my last year of eligibility for the Junior Breed Shows and Youth Contests. Will I be able to compete as a junior at World Dairy Expo 2021?
WDE Youth Showmanship and Fitting Contest rules will be reviewed by Expo’s Youth Enhancement Committee. The eligibility requirements for other junior and youth events that take place at World Dairy Expo will be at the discretion of each contest’s or show’s governing body (breed associations and youth organizations).
return to top
TRADE SHOW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
23. Will I receive a refund? How and when will I receive my refund?
Yes, World Dairy Expo has guaranteed a refund of all booth fees and sponsorship fees that have been paid for 2020. The refund process is being established at this time. When finalized, it will be communicated to your primary contact for World Dairy Expo. It is the intention of Expo to provide refunds in a timely manner.
return to top
24. Am I requried to receive a refund, or can Expo carry over my payment to the 2021 show?
World Dairy Expo has determined that all booth and sponsorship payments already made for the 2020 show will be refunded.
return to top
25. Will I get my booth space and/or sponsored item(s) back next year?
All exhibitors/sponsors who are contracted for a booth space and/or sponsored item(s) as of June 1 will receive the first right to renew that commitment for the 2021 World Dairy Expo. Exhibitors/Sponsors who cancelled their commitment due to COVID-19 prior to the cancellation of World Dairy Expo 2020 will receive next priority for booth space/sponsorship opportunities in 2021.
return to top
26. Will I receive a refund for any other expenses that I have incurred in preparation for World Dairy Expo 2020?
World Dairy Expo is only responsible for booth space and/or sponsorship refunds. You will need to contact the vendors/companies to which you incurred any additional expenses.
return to top
27. Can I reserve my booth space and/or sponsored item(s) now for 2021?
All exhibitors/sponsors who are contracted for a booth space and/or sponsored item(s) at the time of show cancellation will receive the first right to renew that commitment for World Dairy Expo 2021 in January 2021. All other interested companies will have the opportunity to be contracted beginning in March 2021.
return to top
28. How can I ask additional questions?
The World Dairy Expo staff is available to answer any additional questions you have. The staff can be reached by email at wde@wdexpo.com or by phone at (608) 224-6455.
return to top
