Let’s Gather at the Largest Wall and Ceiling Expo
A pandemic and hurricane combination seems like cruel fate, but it happened in August 2021. Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana and became the second-most damaging hurricane in the area, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Ida continued to sweep up the Northeast coast with torrential rains and tornadoes. The electrical grid and infrastructure recovery in the region took weeks to months.
This natural disaster put a halt to events happening in the area, including the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry’s (AWCI's) Convention & INTEX Expo 21, scheduled for Oct. 17-20, 2021, in New Orleans. At the time, AWCI CEO Michael F. Stark said, “This was not an easy decision. However, the board and I are obligated to do what is in the best interests of the association and its members, guests and staff. COVID-19 and the Delta variant are still serious concerns with the United States considered Level 4 (high risk) by the CDC. The city of New Orleans has strict mask and proof of vaccination mandates in place for most venues. Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana as a Category 4 storm having a substantial impact throughout the state and resulting in massive damage to the electric grid. Concerns about appropriate levels of staffing in hotels, restaurants and other venues are only exacerbated due to both COVID-19 and the hurricane. With all of these factors and the substantial increase in exhibitor cancellations within the past week, it has become clear that it is not possible for AWCI to hold and New Orleans to deliver the first-class convention and trade show experience that we demand and our attendees deserve.”
Also remember the spring 2020 show was canceled as the pandemic was just starting. And the October event actually was a rescheduled version from an April 2021 expo, which was postponed due to a COVID surge. Considering all of this, AWCI is more than ready to present AWCI's Convention & INTEX Expo 22, taking place April 6-7 in Grapevine, Texas.
We have participated in every show since 1997. We have supported AWCI by holding positions on the supplier and manufacturer member committee and the board of directors, as well as through various sponsorships. We, therefore, are eager to once again gather, so come visit us at booth No. 1,000!
About the Show
The INTEX Expo is the largest trade show specifically for the wall and ceiling industry. It is a chance for contractors to see the latest products, services and solutions. Exhibitors include manufacturers from: drywall, ceilings and acoustics, lath and metal framing, plaster, EIFS, insulation, software and more.
Educational sessions also are offered by AWCI and the Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association, a co-sponsor of the event, from April 5-7. The opening keynote address by former Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith will take place on April 6, and the closing keynote on April 7 is by Ben Nemtin, the New York Times bestselling author of “What Do You Want To Do Before You Die?”
The Importance of Gathering
Priya Parker, a facilitator, strategic advisor and author, talks about how we meet and why we gather (The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters). She says the pandemic has given people the opportunity to join as a community to pause, belly laugh and acknowledge the mess we have been in. She says community is when we open up and say, “Welcome to the mess. And I want to be in this mess with you.”
We by no means expect this or any trade show to be a mess. But it could be helpful to acknowledge that we have recently endured many challenges together, and we are excited to reunite and connect with our extended construction community—with intention and a shared goal. We look forward to gathering with you to reexamine the wall and ceiling industry and the role curves play in construction and design! The Flex-Ability Concepts’ team welcomes your to INTEX and booth No. 1,000.