Elkhart, Ind.-based Lippert Components says it will opt out of attending the 2020 Caravan Salon Trade Fair in Dusseldorf, Germany, in September, as well as all other European trade shows, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to forgo trade shows also applies to LCI’s newest acquisition, Polyplastic, the leading acrylic window supplier to the European caravan industry.
Michele Checcucci, CEO of RV Europe and Jan Peter Veeneman, CEO of Polyplastic issued the following statement:
“This was a very tough decision that LCI had to make, but in the end, it was a unanimous decision between our North American and European headquarters to forgo the rest of this year’s trade show events. We are putting the health of our team members first, and with the ongoing pandemic and all of its uncertainties, it simply doesn’t make sense to take unneeded health risks at this time.”
The LCI RV Europe team has instead decided to build a virtual product showcase where they can give online tours to customers, media representatives, and consumers alike through live, virtual presentations. The opening of this showroom has yet to be determined.
“We are excited to offer our customers the opportunity to connect with LCI whenever it is convenient for them,” said Checcucci. “The new virtual product showcase will allow our customers to see exciting new products at the exact point they become available; there is no need to wait for an annual show. The virtual showroom is something that we have always wanted to do, but now the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the issue. We are excited to service our customers in a whole new way.”