McCormick Place Show Cancelled Amid Coronavirus Fears

CHICAGO, IL — A trade show that typically draws more than 60,000 visitors to McCormick Place has been cancelled over coronavirus fears. Late Monday, the International Housewares Association announced it was calling off the 2020 "Inspired Home Show," set for March 14 to 17.

The cancellation comes just days after McCormick Place hosted the widely attended C2E2, the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, which ended Sunday. This year's C2E2 featured celebrity guests including William Shatner, Mark Ruffalo and George Takei. That event drew 90,000 attendees in 2019.

The cancellation is a blow to the convention center as well as downtown hotels, which typically see around 47,000 room bookings as a result of the show, Crain's Chicago Business reported, adding the Rosemont-based trade association is the first to cancel a McCormick Place event due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"After careful consideration regarding the ongoing spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) overseas and recent cases in the United States, the International Housewares Association’s Board of Directors has decided not to hold The Inspired Home Show 2020," the housewares association said Monday night.

In a statement, IHA president Derek Miller said the organization has been watching the coronavirus situation carefully with the safety of guests in mind.

"The IHA Board of Directors made this decision after consulting with industry constituents including exhibitors and retailers," Miller said. "In the end, the global nature of our event, combined with the worldwide concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak and ongoing travel restrictions make it impossible for us to hold The Inspired Home Show next week."

Meanwhile, the Illinois Department of Public Health said it has confirmed the third and fourth cases of coronavirus in Illinois: a man and his wife from suburban Cook County, both in their 70s.

On Monday, IDPH said the man was being treated in isolation at Northwest Community Hospital In Arlington Heights, while his wife is well enough to stay home. She is also in isolation.

Meanwhile, two employees of Arlington Heights School District 25 and their two children are also in isolation at home after possible exposure to coronavirus. School district officials said the family came in contact with a babysitter who has a relative who is believed to have coronavirus.

Late Monday night, the University of Chicago Medical Center also said it was admitting its first patient suspected of having coronavirus, according to NBC Chicago.

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