The correspondence addressed the decision to give New York Boat Show its choice of show dates that may conflict with several other tradeshows scheduled at Jacob Javits Convention Center.
“SISO members organize over 3,500 shows a year, many of which are at the Javits, and in the past have trusted Javits to be fair and consistent with their policies of holding dates and issuing licenses for their shows,” wrote Shomer. “For a government official to interfere with such policies is unconventional and sets a terrible precedent that effectively prohibits organizers from establishing consistency regarding their future events at Javits.”
Shomer claims that the six major tradeshows affected by the decision – New York International Gift Fair (now known as NY NOW), Business Journal’s MRket Show, Texworld Show, the National Retail Federation Show, and Action Sports Wear and Street Wear Show, which recently merged as Agenda – have brought more revenue to New York than the New York Boat Show that would displace them. By giving preferential treatment to a single show, the tradeshow industry and potential revenue to the city and state at large would be negatively affected, according to Shomer.
“The shows that you have harmed with your decision have been productive revenue producers for the City and State of New York for decades and it is unconscionable to understand how you can proceed with a decision to dismiss this history and potential revenue without understanding the consequences of your uninformed decision to move the Boat Show dates.”
Both SISO and the Friends of Javits organization have requested a meeting with Governor Cuomo in hopes that an open discussion will persuade the government official to reverse his decision.
Also see Javits Center decision may displace major tradeshows, 8/8/2013.
