During the COVID-19 pandemic our industry lost iconic retailers, suffered lay-offs, and endured personal tragedy. Now, in the last days of 2020, we see light at the end of the tunnel with the news of vaccine approvals and distribution. For this, we are grateful – and hopeful that our industry will regain its strength over the year to come.

The 2021 Travel Goods Show
Like all first-quarter shows, over the last few months we have been evaluating the wisdom of having our 2021 Show, scheduled for Feb. 28-March 2, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Our primary concern has always been what’s best for the health and safety of our staff, our exhibitors and our attendees.

We have been advised by the Las Vegas Convention Center that all large first-quarter shows in Las Vegas have or will soon be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we briefly considered moving our Show to August 2021, in a survey our industry overwhelmingly responded that they prefer a first-quarter show. With that in mind, please know that while we don’t have dates to share with you at this time, we will come together again in March 2022 when we’re safely on the other side of this crisis.

The Travel Goods HUB
We have eagerly awaited the day that we can share the details of our newest initiative with you, our members. Over the past several months, we have been working hard to develop a lively, engaging online platform which will maintain and enrich industry relationships throughout the calendar year.

In March 2021, TGA will launch the Travel Goods HUB, a new way for retailers to stay informed and manufacturers to introduce new products. All manufacturing members will receive a free HUB marketplace page listing contact and brand info, with content-rich premium options available.

Travel goods retailers, consumers and the media will be able to look up company information, browse 360-degree photos and videos of travel gear, and search keywords, product categories and trademarks, all from the comfort and security of their home or office. And they’ll receive real-time updates whenever travel goods manufacturers introduce new products.

March will not be the same without our in-person gathering of the travel goods industry. But the cancellation of The Show allows us to expand our digital content and continue to develop a robust online presence of travel goods brands 365 days of the year. You can expect to hear much more about the HUB the first week of January.

We know it’s been a challenging year. We wish you a safe and prosperous New Year, filled with benefits of the travel rebound which we all hope lies ahead. We at TGA are grateful for your commitment to our industry. We strive to serve you, strengthen our industry, and unite our member businesses with one another. Please let us know if there are additional ways TGA can help you and your business in 2021.