ILTA cancels November conference, trade show due to pandemic

The International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA) said Wednesday its board of directors has voted to cancel the 40th Annual Operating Conference and Trade Show.

The ILTA conference originally was scheduled for June in Houston, and moved to Nov. 16-18 because of the continued spread of COVID-19.

“After much consideration, we feel cancelling this year’s show is regrettably necessary,” said Kip Middendorf, ILTA chairman and managing director of Wolf Lakes Terminals. “The ILTA staff has worked extremely hard in their attempt to deliver a safe and beneficial in-person event. I am very proud of their effort and commitment.

“Unfortunately, because of the sustained presence of the coronavirus nationwide and continued uncertainties as we move into fall, we decided to shift our focus to developing a successful event for 2021, when we expect to return to more typical conditions for conferences and trade shows.”

Earlier this year, ILTA consulted with its membership and determined there was a great deal of interest in holding the show later in the 2020 calendar year. ILTA worked hard on preparations to hold its annual event in November, including implementation of measures to ensure social distancing and appropriate hygiene measures.

But with approximately two months remaining until the opening of the rescheduled show, the board decided to cancel the event given the continuing uncertainties, especially in regard to companies’ ability to travel to Houston.

For more information on ILTA, the terminal industry or the history of the Annual Operating Conference and Trade Show, visit ilta.org.