Despite having been ordered to evacuate last week due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Sandy and taking on water during the storm, the Javits Center quickly recovered and resumed operations by 8 p.m. Oct. 30.
All shows scheduled at the Javits Center for this week are exhibiting as planned. They include the Customer Engagement Technology World, Ad Tech Expo and The International Hotel Motel & Restaurant Show. The reopening 24 hours after the hurricane struck was due in large part to operational staff’s quick response to the crisis, making it possible for the ING New York City Marathon and Fitness Expo to begin its move-in and open on time, although the marathon itself was canceled to help with recovery efforts.
“The ING New York City Marathon has become so much more than a foot race. It is now all about our effort and resolve to support and help the city recover,” said Mary Wittenberg, president and CEO, New York Road Runners. “The expo is such a big part of the marathon and runner experience and this year is more essential than ever.”
This year, 165 vendors and exhibitors are offering athletic footwear and apparel, running accessories, nutritional products, fitness information, health and wellness products and much more. The event takes over 158,000 gross square feet of exhibition space and 65,000 runners, family and members of the public are expected to attend over the course of three days. In 2011, the New York City Marathon brought in an estimated $340 million in economic impact to the city.
The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is New York City’s largest venue for conventions, tradeshows and special events. Home to many of the top 200 tradeshows, Javits hosts about 150 events with an average attendance of 3 million per year. The events contribute to the city and state economies by stimulating direct and indirect employment, economic activity, tax revenues and by supporting the city’s hotel, restaurant, tourism and entertainment industries.
