FRONTIER DUTY FREE ASSOCIATIONS CANCELS ANNUAL CONVENTION
Decision Made Following Advice from Public Health Officials
OTTAWA, ON (June 24, 2020) – Today, Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA), the industry association for Canada’s land border duty free shops has made the difficult decision to cancel its annual convention set to take place in November 2020.
Among the layered impacts caused by the COVID-19 crisis, public gatherings have been deemed a risk to health and safety. The city of Toronto, the location set to host FDFA’s 2020 Stronger Together convention, is currently restricting gatherings. The dynamic and unpredictable nature to the spread of the virus, and possible risk of a second wave, is forcing organizations in all industries to rethink plans for the fall.
“The cancellation of this year’s convention is disappointing but a necessary step to keeping our members and convention guests safe,” said Barbara Barrett, FDFA Executive Director. “We listened to public health officials, and cannot in good conscience proceed with our convention program at this time,” said Barrett.
Traditionally bringing together duty free store owners, suppliers, distributors, and major sponsors from across Canada, FDFA’s convention provides a space for like-minded professionals to collaborate, innovate, and celebrate the duty free industry. This year’s cancellation will come as a disappointment to members and guests, who look forward to seeing each other year after year.
Despite the cancellation, the association is working on developing a Virtual Event Series called Until We Meet Again starting this summer and spanning into the Fall with the goal to provide opportunities for members and suppliers to stay connected, share experiences, and meet with important partners. The series will include educational webinars as well as more light-hearted cocktail mixing tutorials and possibly even a scavenger hunt or online auction. A schedule and more information to follow soon.