MADISON, WIS. – For the first time in its 53-year
history, World Dairy Expo® has been cancelled. The World Dairy Expo
Executive Committee 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. World Dairy Expo 2020 was set to take place
at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin, September 29 through
October 3, 2020. The annual event welcomed more than 62,000 attendees from
nearly 100 countries in 2019.
“Our collective heart is heavy as we share with
you that World Dairy Expo 2020 has been cancelled,” said Scott Bentley, WDE
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 World 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
World Dairy Expo is set to occur. This phase includes a limit of 250 people at
outdoor events, eliminating any possibility that World Dairy Expo, as people
know it today, can take place.
“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.
More information, a complete statement from World
Dairy Expo, and answers to frequently asked questions regarding the decision to
cancel World Dairy Expo 2020 can be found at worlddairyexpo.com.
Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy
industry, World Dairy Expo brings together the latest in dairy innovation and
the best cattle in North America. Crowds of more than 62,000 people, from
nearly 100 countries, will return to Madison, Wis. for the 54th
event, September 28 through October 2, 2021, when the world’s largest
dairy-focused trade show, dairy and forage seminars, a world-class dairy cattle
show and more will be on display. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile event
app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube for more information.