2020 ANA World's Fair of Money has been suspended - Merged thread
Just got the email form the ANA, and the World's Fair of Money has been suspended, while the Board of the ANA consider other venues and dates.
2
Just got the email form the ANA, and the World's Fair of Money has been suspended, while the Board of the ANA consider other venues and dates.
Comments
I guess it is no surprise.
Lance.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 17, 2020
CONTACT: Deborah Muehleisen
E-mail: pr@money.org
2020 World's Fair of Money Suspended
ANA Board of Governors to Consider Alternate Options
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) announced today the suspension of the 2020 World’s Fair of Money®. The show, originally scheduled for August 4-8 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the largest annual coin and paper-currency event in the United States.
The ANA Board of Governors has been deliberating the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the show and whether aggressive mitigation requirements to ensure the safety of attendees made continuing with the Pittsburgh event feasible. Current State of Pennsylvania guidelines restrict indoor gatherings to a maximum of 250 people at any one time. The World’s Fair of Money typically attracts upward of 10,000 people during its 5-day smorgasbord of educational offerings, live auctions, affiliated club meetings, and a bourse floor with nearly a thousand dealers and government mints from around the world.
The Board resolved in a vote on June 16 to postpone the show and to consider alternate sites and/or dates for the 2020 World’s Fair of Money.
According to Jennifer Ackerman, ANA conventions director, because of Pennsylvania’s restrictions on indoor gatherings, “none of the usual World’s Fair of Money offerings would be possible at the Pittsburgh show. No exhibits, no educational programming, no Kids Zone, no club meetings, no banquet, and a significantly reduced bourse. Our team has been in nearly daily conversations with the convention center, but it's become evident that they are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations.”
Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money Committee Chair Tom Uram noted the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN) had “anticipated a convention that would showcase the ANA and the city of Pittsburgh. But based on our analysis and review of all relevant information – the diminished show experience for attendees, health and safety issues, security, financial impact and the significant unknown outside variables – the host committee recommended that the ANA Board not hold the Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money,” he says.
Since 1891, the American Numismatic Association’s convention has only been cancelled twice; in 1918 during the flu pandemic and again in 1945 because of World War II.
“The decision to postpone the World’s Fair of Money was very emotional and extremely difficult,” says ANA President Steve Ellsworth. “The convention staff and the Pittsburgh organizing committee worked hard to make the show a reality. PAN went beyond all expectations to deliver what would have been a fantastic event, and I’m deeply disappointed that the collecting community won’t be able to experience the results of their efforts. I know we will return to Pittsburgh in the not-so-distant future. In the meantime, we will pursue opportunities to host the event in another city in the weeks ahead.” Options briefly discussed include The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Mountain America Expo Center and Salt Palace Convention Center, both of which are located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“During these trying and socially-isolated times, we were looking forward to reconnecting with our fellow numismatists,” says ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick. “We’re disappointed we won’t be seeing everyone in Pittsburgh but are working hard to create other opportunities to connect.”
“The ANA and PAN recognize that dealers, clubs and many individuals may have already made plans and reservations in Pittsburgh for August,” says Ackerman. Hotel room reservations within the reserved block in the Omni William Penn, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Courtyard or Westin Convention Center that were made through VisitPittsburgh Housing Services automatically will be cancelled within 48 hours; do not contact the hotel directly. For those that made lodging accommodations directly with a hotel, cancellation will need to be made directly with those entities. Lodging questions should be directed to housing@visitpittsburgh.com.
Dealers will be contacted directly by the ANA convention team. “To mitigate the influx of calls and emails, dealers will be contacted by phone within the next week to discuss the option of a future credit towards an ANA show or a refund,” Ackerman says. “The ANA convention staff will be reaching out to every dealer who reserved a table at Pittsburgh. Your patience is much appreciated.”
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 28,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications and conventions. For more information, call (719) 632-2646 or visit money.org.
I can't believe I get to start this thread. Just received the following email from the ANA:
2020 World's Fair of Money Suspended
ANA Board of Governors to Consider Alternate Options
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) announced today the suspension of the 2020 World’s Fair of Money®. The show, originally scheduled for August 4-8 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the largest annual coin and paper-currency event in the United States.
The ANA Board of Governors has been deliberating the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the show and whether aggressive mitigation requirements to ensure the safety of attendees made continuing with the Pittsburgh event feasible. Current State of Pennsylvania guidelines restrict indoor gatherings to a maximum of 250 people at any one time. The World’s Fair of Money typically attracts upward of 10,000 people during its 5-day smorgasbord of educational offerings, live auctions, affiliated club meetings, and a bourse floor with nearly a thousand dealers and government mints from around the world.
The Board resolved in a vote on June 16 to postpone the show and to consider alternate sites and/or dates for the 2020 World’s Fair of Money.
According to Jennifer Ackerman, ANA conventions director, because of Pennsylvania’s restrictions on indoor gatherings, “none of the usual World’s Fair of Money offerings would be possible at the Pittsburgh show. No exhibits, no educational programming, no Kids Zone, no club meetings, no banquet, and a significantly reduced bourse. Our team has been in nearly daily conversations with the convention center, but it's become evident that they are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations.”
Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money Committee Chair Tom Uram noted the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN) had “anticipated a convention that would showcase the ANA and the city of Pittsburgh. But based on our analysis and review of all relevant information – the diminished show experience for attendees, health and safety issues, security, financial impact and the significant unknown outside variables – the host committee recommended that the ANA Board not hold the Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money,” he says.
Since 1891, the American Numismatic Association’s convention has only been cancelled twice; in 1918 during the flu pandemic and again in 1945 because of World War II.
“The decision to postpone the World’s Fair of Money was very emotional and extremely difficult,” says ANA President Steve Ellsworth. “The convention staff and the Pittsburgh organizing committee worked hard to make the show a reality. PAN went beyond all expectations to deliver what would have been a fantastic event, and I’m deeply disappointed that the collecting community won’t be able to experience the results of their efforts. I know we will return to Pittsburgh in the not-so-distant future. In the meantime, we will pursue opportunities to host the event in another city in the weeks ahead.” Options briefly discussed include The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Mountain America Expo Center and Salt Palace Convention Center, both of which are located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“During these trying and socially-isolated times, we were looking forward to reconnecting with our fellow numismatists,” says ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick. “We’re disappointed we won’t be seeing everyone in Pittsburgh but are working hard to create other opportunities to connect.”
“The ANA and PAN recognize that dealers, clubs and many individuals may have already made plans and reservations in Pittsburgh for August,” says Ackerman. Hotel room reservations within the reserved block in the Omni William Penn, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Courtyard or Westin Convention Center that were made through VisitPittsburgh Housing Services automatically will be cancelled within 48 hours; do not contact the hotel directly. For those that made lodging accommodations directly with a hotel, cancellation will need to be made directly with those entities. Lodging questions should be directed to housing@visitpittsburgh.com.
Dealers will be contacted directly by the ANA convention team. “To mitigate the influx of calls and emails, dealers will be contacted by phone within the next week to discuss the option of a future credit towards an ANA show or a refund,” Ackerman says. “The ANA convention staff will be reaching out to every dealer who reserved a table at Pittsburgh. Your patience is much appreciated.”
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 28,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications and conventions. For more information, call (719) 632-2646 or visit money.org.
Member ANA, SPMC, SCNA, FUN, CONECA
That's so two minutes ago......
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1039337/2020-worlds-fair-of-money-suspended#latest
Wow. Salt Lake City is in my backyard, and is a severely underappreciated location, IMO. I'm happy to see they're looking at moving it instead of an outright cancellation. Utah is in a bit of a COVID flare at the moment (actually they saw their surge onset later than almost anywhere else), but the state is still moving forward with reopening, etc.
I've got a feeling any show this year of that magnitude will be something of a dud, unless they can really pull something together. There is a bunch of pent-up business to transact though...... Hard to navigate these waters. There's a ton of money being spent or not spent just on travel and lodging. Would they also move the auctions?
I'm all for it, but the logistics will be daunting.
To quote Claude Rains, "I'm shocked, SHOCKED I tell you !"
We are up to 4 threads...how many will we end up with?
No.
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1039337/2020-worlds-fair-of-money-suspended#latest
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1039338/ana-show-suspended#latest
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1039339/that-2020-ana-worlds-fair-of-money-has-been-suspended#latest
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Tough decision...but the correct one.
No life is worth the entertainment value.
Imagine the fear and panic if contact tracing became an issue?
I'm not surprised, and totally agree with the decision.
Wow . . . and here goes the Utah Coin Show . . . full bore Friday and Saturday. Thanks Governor . . . . . releasing a bevy of 70 year olds into a firestorm of Covid???
Sorry . . . I just got word the Florence, OR show in August got cancelled today . . yet we are going to have the honor of "having the first multi-day show open in the USA" . . this weekend. ???
Drunner
3rd similar thread on the front page . . . . . . .
Drunner
Carefully chosen words: “Our team has been in nearly daily conversations with the convention center, but it's become evident that they are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations.”
Latin American Collection
Close, but no cigar.
In my opinion the ANA would be best served to avoid trying to cram a show haphazardly into a new location.
Based on the past judgement shown by the ANA, it is almost certain to happen.
Latin American Collection
Good move by the ANA. Too many people who would be attending the show are very high risk. Unless you’re a local and can drive to the show who really wants to fly and stay in a hotel unless you absolutely have to. We will eventually have shows so in the overall scheme of things what difference does it make if it’s canceled.
Let's get all four postings to the top lest someone miss the message.
That is also the passage that leapt off the statement for me, as well.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Carefully chosen words: “Our team has been in nearly daily conversations with the convention center, but it's become evident that they are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations.”
That would be the "Act of God" contractual clause there! My Godson has a wedding reception scheduled for September...so I'm all too familiar with it right now.
on Monday I learned that a friend of mine and former customer from my old Boss' Pawn/Coin/Jewelry Shop had died from COVID-19. he was 70 and had some type of heart ailment. his Wife contracted it first and came through OK but he succumbed. it's sort of sad that with the current state of things about all we can do is hear what happened and mourn the loss, no visiting in the hospital or Calling Hours/Funeral/Burial can be attended, though that has relaxed here in Ohio during the past few weeks.
his was a life of service as a Fire Fighter locally from 1972-1998. RIP, Al.
it's no surprise that the ANA Pittsburgh Show was cancelled. it was inevitable that our Nation would "open up" again, there's only so much our Uncle can do to ease things. now the burden falls on us as individuals to be responsible for each other, to understand maybe like never before that we are indeed our Brothers Keeper. I wear a mask wherever I go, I think it's the least I can do for YOU. also, I have an under[lying condition that means I have to be extra cautious. I don't think a little time breathing through a mask and standing a little farther away from each other is too much to ask for the Great Freedom we have in America.
Al Sposito obit --- https://obituaries.starbeacon.com/obituary/alan-sposito-1079367403
--- Rush, from the album 2112:
You can't get something for nothing
You can't have Freedom for free.
You won't get wise with the sleep still in your eyes
No matter what your Dream might be.
Stay safe all.
Al H.
Just received ANA email cancelling the show.
See you all next year!
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
Contracts aren't really necessary...... until they are.
Agree. Let's hope not.
My 1866 Philly Mint Set
Sad news. I hope that they will have a smaller show in the weeks ahead in Colorado Springs or Salt Lake City as stated. If they have a show in either of those locations or Idaho or Alaska or where ever, I will attend.
Guess they are just not that into having attendees sign waivers absolving them of any liabilities associated with potential acquisition of Covid-19.
Viruses are evolving every day.
The world needs to evolve
The US needs to evolve
Commerce needs to evolve
The ANA needs to evolve
Coin shows need to evolve
It's an online future for us all. Retail, schools, the workplace, etc., etc. will all be done online.
They might as well cancel the rest of the year and start over in 2021. FWIW at this point
It’s pretty hard to buy and sell dozens or hundreds of coins on-line in a short period of time. Lot viewing a big auction would be pretty tough to do without a physical venue too.
Not officially "cancelled." Read the press release. Might possibly be rescheduled at a different time in a different venue.
That said, I doubt that it will happen this year.
ttt
Figured!
Well, now it's official.......That's what I feared.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
A sad day...........
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I was looking forward to it.........2020.......Worst year ever.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I commented on the other three, so why not this one.........BOO-HISS!!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Golden . . .
Salt Lake IS ON. Three coin clubs circulating with cleaning equipment. CDC guidelines . . . they say. Not sure on bathrooms. Sanitizer at each dealer's table. Mandatory masks. 1 chair per table. 1 hour time stamp and you exit and re-enter if there are more than 100 people (total). Directional path through the show for social distancing . . . you won't be doing any dealer-to-dealer lowballing ( :-) ).
Not sure who will be sanitizing each 2x2 after each tire-kicker touches it. Since cash carries the virus more readily than almost anything . . . maybe credit cards will rule ???
It will be interesting. Several major players are NOT showing up. Not sure on the public, but I am not going. Come on down Golden . . . .
Bums me out. I had planned Florence, OR in August would be OK . . but they cancelled today. Had initiated the same plan as SLC, but just couldn't see it working, so they dropped.
Drunner
I just received the following via email.
Steve
View in browser
ana logo (2)-1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 17, 2020
CONTACT: Deborah Muehleisen
E-mail: pr@money.org
2020 World's Fair of Money Suspended
ANA Board of Governors to Consider Alternate Options
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) announced today the suspension of the 2020 World’s Fair of Money®. The show, originally scheduled for August 4-8 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the largest annual coin and paper-currency event in the United States.
The ANA Board of Governors has been deliberating the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the show and whether aggressive mitigation requirements to ensure the safety of attendees made continuing with the Pittsburgh event feasible. Current State of Pennsylvania guidelines restrict indoor gatherings to a maximum of 250 people at any one time. The World’s Fair of Money typically attracts upward of 10,000 people during its 5-day smorgasbord of educational offerings, live auctions, affiliated club meetings, and a bourse floor with nearly a thousand dealers and government mints from around the world.
The Board resolved in a vote on June 16 to postpone the show and to consider alternate sites and/or dates for the 2020 World’s Fair of Money.
According to Jennifer Ackerman, ANA conventions director, because of Pennsylvania’s restrictions on indoor gatherings, “none of the usual World’s Fair of Money offerings would be possible at the Pittsburgh show. No exhibits, no educational programming, no Kids Zone, no club meetings, no banquet, and a significantly reduced bourse. Our team has been in nearly daily conversations with the convention center, but it's become evident that they are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations.”
Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money Committee Chair Tom Uram noted the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN) had “anticipated a convention that would showcase the ANA and the city of Pittsburgh. But based on our analysis and review of all relevant information – the diminished show experience for attendees, health and safety issues, security, financial impact and the significant unknown outside variables – the host committee recommended that the ANA Board not hold the Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money,” he says.
Since 1891, the American Numismatic Association’s convention has only been cancelled twice; in 1918 during the flu pandemic and again in 1945 because of World War II.
“The decision to postpone the World’s Fair of Money was very emotional and extremely difficult,” says ANA President Steve Ellsworth. “The convention staff and the Pittsburgh organizing committee worked hard to make the show a reality. PAN went beyond all expectations to deliver what would have been a fantastic event, and I’m deeply disappointed that the collecting community won’t be able to experience the results of their efforts. I know we will return to Pittsburgh in the not-so-distant future. In the meantime, we will pursue opportunities to host the event in another city in the weeks ahead.” Options briefly discussed include The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Mountain America Expo Center and Salt Palace Convention Center, both of which are located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“During these trying and socially-isolated times, we were looking forward to reconnecting with our fellow numismatists,” says ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick. “We’re disappointed we won’t be seeing everyone in Pittsburgh but are working hard to create other opportunities to connect.”
“The ANA and PAN recognize that dealers, clubs and many individuals may have already made plans and reservations in Pittsburgh for August,” says Ackerman. Hotel room reservations within the reserved block in the Omni William Penn, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Courtyard or Westin Convention Center that were made through VisitPittsburgh Housing Services automatically will be cancelled within 48 hours; do not contact the hotel directly. For those that made lodging accommodations directly with a hotel, cancellation will need to be made directly with those entities. Lodging questions should be directed to housing@visitpittsburgh.com.
Dealers will be contacted directly by the ANA convention team. “To mitigate the influx of calls and emails, dealers will be contacted by phone within the next week to discuss the option of a future credit towards an ANA show or a refund,” Ackerman says. “The ANA convention staff will be reaching out to every dealer who reserved a table at Pittsburgh. Your patience is much appreciated.”
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 28,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications and conventions. For more information, call (719) 632-2646 or visit money.org.
Text Box:
American Numismatic Association, 818 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903, United States, (800) 514-2646
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
I can't get excited about any event where everyone is wearing masks.
That's just me.
It would be for me a very alien, un-fun experience.
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
I mentioned june 9 that this was likely to happen in a week. They voted june16. J.P.
60 yrs in Coins, 42 yrs Certifying/Grading, CoinWorld's Most Influential People In Numismatics, 1960-2020. 30 consecutive yrs teaching ANA Summer seminar, Numismatic Ambassador award, 1998 Doctorate in Numismatics, Glenn Smedley Award, ANA Governor 2009/2011, Author/ Host of ANA's best selling video's, courses on grading & counterfeit detection. Taught over 1,100 paying students, Secret service agents, San Diego to Boston, Anchorage to Miami, including 2 coin cruises. many Free presentations. NLG book and video awards. ANA photographer, SEM operator, Appraiser, Contributor to Redbook, Numismatist, Coin World, Numismatic News, ANA Grading Guides, 40,000 Volume Library, Founder ANAAB, ICG, 1995 ANA collector services appraisal/conservation, First full service Ancient coin grading service. Navy 75-77, WIU 77-81, Coin dealer 1981-1984, ANA 1984-1998, 60 year Collector U.S./ 50 Year Ancient coins. ANA Advisory Committee. Lifetime member ANA, ANS. Now, a Semi-retired grader in Denver area
It's actually not canceled. Yet. It is suspended pending rescheduling.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
I can't get excited about any event where anyone isn't wearing a mask. That's just me. Not sure why wearing a mask while viewing coins would make it any less fun, but probably not a good topic for discussion on this forum. We can simply agree to disagree.
I recommended Denver as a possible second due to a recent cancellation of a group of 7000 travel agents for the end of July. Close to Colorado Springs for logistics and a known (to ANA) convention center. Unfortunately, I think time is too short for a replacement city. But if any Denver should be considered. J.P. Martin, ANA ADVISORY BOARD
60 yrs in Coins, 42 yrs Certifying/Grading, CoinWorld's Most Influential People In Numismatics, 1960-2020. 30 consecutive yrs teaching ANA Summer seminar, Numismatic Ambassador award, 1998 Doctorate in Numismatics, Glenn Smedley Award, ANA Governor 2009/2011, Author/ Host of ANA's best selling video's, courses on grading & counterfeit detection. Taught over 1,100 paying students, Secret service agents, San Diego to Boston, Anchorage to Miami, including 2 coin cruises. many Free presentations. NLG book and video awards. ANA photographer, SEM operator, Appraiser, Contributor to Redbook, Numismatist, Coin World, Numismatic News, ANA Grading Guides, 40,000 Volume Library, Founder ANAAB, ICG, 1995 ANA collector services appraisal/conservation, First full service Ancient coin grading service. Navy 75-77, WIU 77-81, Coin dealer 1981-1984, ANA 1984-1998, 60 year Collector U.S./ 50 Year Ancient coins. ANA Advisory Committee. Lifetime member ANA, ANS. Now, a Semi-retired grader in Denver area
Had to happen and late June was the time it would.
Best, SH
Edited to add: What? Are they nuts? Postponed and move to another city? More proof on how much ANA is completely out of touch. JRCS had a poll on who is going and who is not. Overwhelmingly the answer was no. 10,000 attendees? No chance, they will be lucky to get 1000.
Also of note, when I joined in the mid-2000s, there were 38,000 members. Now they are saying 28,000. Hmmm........
Yea, no surprise. The coin show era might be over.
Do these issues magically just go away by having people from around the country fly into a different city?
What a lousy communication by the ANA. Not a single mention of the health and safety of their members, staff, and volunteers. Only that the convention was cancelled because "Our team has been in nearly daily conversations with the convention center, but it's become evident that they are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations."
I signed up for a 5-year membership for about $85 some months ago, now I'm starting to regret even spending that much.
LIBERTY SEATED DIMES WITH MAJOR VARIETIES CIRCULATION STRIKES (1837-1891) digital album
I love the FUN show. Fingers crossed.
Early American Copper, Bust and Seated.
Off-topic, I know, but I had to show a little sense of humor during these gloomy times. The first time I wore a mask to pick up a prescription refill at my pharmacy, when they opened up the doors and saw me, I said "Trick or treat!" :-)
Up for trying that next time when going through the TSA checkpoint? Those guys really have no sense of humor.
The constant wearing of masks is dangerous too.
One of my coworkers dozed of while doing paperwork because of hypoxia and hypercapnea.
https://technocracy.news/blaylock-face-masks-pose-serious-risks-to-the-healthy/