World Dairy Expo 2020 Canceled

For the first time in its 53-year history, World Dairy Expo has been canceled. The Expo Executive Committee said it reached this difficult decision based on the public health orders and restrictions related to COVID-19, in place, and issued by Public Health Madison & Dane County.

The Expo was set to take place at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI., Sept. 29 through Oct. 3, 2020. The annual event welcomed more than 62,000 attendees from nearly 100 countries in 2019, event organizers said.

“Our collective heart is heavy as we share with you that World Dairy Expo 2020 has been canceled,” said Scott Bentley, Expo general manager. “We know how much this hurts; we feel it, too. Please know other options were explored and considered by the World Dairy Expo Executive Committee and staff.”

The Alliant Energy Center, home to Dairy Expo, is a county-owned facility that falls under the jurisdiction of Emergency Order #3 and Forward Dane, the phased reopening plan for Dane County. Public health officials predict Dane County may be in the third phase of the plan when the event is set to occur. This phase includes a limit of 250 people at outdoor events, eliminating any possibility that Expo, as people know it today, can take place, event organizers said.

“Unwaveringly, we recognize our responsibility is to maintain the health of our community and the safety of all of you as exhibitors, attendees, and volunteers and to adhere to the orders dictated by Dane County and the national guidelines from the CDC as they relate to COVID-19,” added Bentley.

World Dairy Expo will Return

The event will return to Madison for the 54th event Sept. 28 through Oct. 2, 2021. For more information, a complete statement, and answers to frequently asked questions regarding the decision to cancel World Dairy Expo 2020 can be found at worlddairyexpo.com.

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Source: Dairy Foods