As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues, today organizers of InterTabac, the world’s largest tobacco trade show announced its plans for how it plans to deal with its 2020 event. While it didn’t indicate whether the event will go on or not, it did say it would follow the guidance set forward by authorities and factor that into a final decision.

InterTabac 2020 is scheduled to take place from September 18-20 at the Dortmund Exhibition Centre in Dortmund, Germany. Meanwhile, there has been no change in status coming from the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) which is scheduled to host its event beginning July 10th.

In a press release, organizers of InterTabac acknowledged the pandemic has created a series of challenges across industries as a result of restrictive measures taken by authorities. This includes the “trade fair” (convention) industry. According to Sabine Loos, managing director for the Westfalenhallen group of companies (which managers the convention and facility), “The trade fair industry worldwide is particularly affected by the measures that have been adopted by the authorities. Nevertheless, due to the latest signals from politics, we are a bit more positive about the organization of trade fairs in Dortmund.”

Westfalenhallen also states that authorities are issuing guidance on what the requirements for trade fairs will be. This guidance may include limited attendee and hygiene measures. This guidance is expected to be announced in the next few days or weeks.

“Afterwards, we will evaluate these measures and, on this basis, coordinate our further course of action – especially with regard to InterTabac and InterSupply,” continues Sabine Loos. “We assume that voting on this should be completed in late May and early June.”

Meanwhile, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), which is scheduled to open its Trade Show and Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 10th. It was back on March 11th that the Premium Cigar Association announced it was still planning on going forward with its Trade Show. Shortly afterward, there was the cancellation of major sporting leagues and events, and eventually, many businesses closing (including Las Vegas) voluntarily or by government order, as well as Shelter in Place orders. The past couple of weeks has seen Las Vegas develop its plans to reopen for business. The Venetian, which is the hotel and casino which contains the Sands Expo Convention Center, has unveiled a proposed set of guidelines for Venetian Clean. The guidelines include enforced social distancing. Last week the Nevada Gaming Convention issued guidelines capping occupancy for 250 people at conventions. While these guidelines have left many to believe the Trade Show should not happen, the PCA has not commented otherwise.