Plans for yet another in-person event in Toronto have been kicked down the road, as the Omicron variant tightens its chokehold on the city.
The National Home Show presented by Re/Max, a popular annual mainstay at Toronto’s Enercare Centre on Exhibition Place grounds, was set to make its in-person (and post-pandemic) return this year, but has announced the event will be postponed due to spiking COVID-19 cases.
Originally slated to run between March 11 and 20, the event will now (hopefully) take place between April 15 and 24.
“This additional time allows us to bring more top experts and vendors to help attendees find the inspiration they are looking for to start their next home project,” stated Denise Hayward, Show Director of the National Home Show. “This also gives us time to make further enhancements that ensure the continued safety and enjoyment of exhibitors and attendees when we can meet in person again.”
New Health and Safety Protocols in Place, Say Event Organizers
The 10-day event – which is the largest of its kind in North America, drawing over 150,000 visitors annually – has been on a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. It typically features more than 600 vendors over 250,000 square feet of exhibition space, with a focus on all things home improvement, both inside and out. It has also co-hosted Canada Blooms, the nation’s largest flower and garden festival, always appreciated by winter-weary Torontonians for its welcome microdose of summer greenery. Attendees can also catch in-person expert guests, educational segments, and product demos.
Moving forward, the show is working with Enercare Centre staff to take all possible health measures and safety protocols, such as venue sanitizing stations, built-in contact tracing on every ticket purchase, and proof of vaccination required upon entry, as required by public health restrictions.
The Pandemic has Shifted Canadians’ Perception of “Home”
The focus on home improvement is more timely than ever, as being confined to the great indoors during lockdowns has redefined how Canadians view their living spaces.
“If the pandemic has taught homeowners anything, it’s that the home is not simply a building, but an office, a school, a vacation destination, and a place to unwind, just to name a few. Whether attendees are looking for a few small upgrades or a total home makeover, the National Home Show will be here in April to help provide the inspiration and experts needed to turn any project into a reality,” states their press release.
In the meantime, the National Home Show has released The National Home Show Virtual Preview/Directory, offering would-be convention goers the chance to preview vendors and plan their visits.
“The new platform gives homeowners access to the show’s robust list of experts and brands for those looking to take advantage and finally ‘make their space, their way,’ with tons of helpful information and advice. Plus, they can even enjoy fabulous deals from top brands, all from the comfort of their home, 365 days of the year,” stated Hayward.
Looks like we’ll all just have to wait a little longer before we can peruse those electric rainbow fireplaces and giant hot tubs in person.
