It's disappointing today to have to report on more industry events falling by the wayside for this year, due to the affects of coronavirus.

Back when this all kicked off for us in March time, we had a flurry of cancellations to contend with. Service Dealer magazine's Events page, suddenly had Cancelled or Postponed notices slapped all over it for the spring and summer months.

It was hoped at that stage that once we got into September and beyond, some of our industry events would be deep enough into the year to avoid the brunt of it and be able to go ahead. We always thought there would be measures in place, but certainly from my own personal naivety, thinking back I don't think I ever expected the entire industry calendar to be decimated.

It's clear now however, that shows with multiple exhibitors, stands and hoards of visitors, simply won't be possible in 2020.

Therefore today we sadly report that the AEA's Tillage Live and the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society's Midlands Machinery Show have both had to call off their events for the autumn. And it's not just shows over here which are being forced kick into touch their 2020 plans. We also hear today that our friends at GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Kentucky have had to call off 2020's huge event.

The organisers of these gatherings will have explored all avenues to go ahead this year in a safe manner. The AEA were still hopeful last week even, that they would be able to continue with their Tillage Live plans due to the large outdoor space in which they operate. This has unfortunately proved not be the case though.

The team over in Louisville also have a huge outdoor area in which they run demos - combined with the static exhibition indoors. Like our SALTEX, they too have reached the conclusion that it simply isn't viable for them to run the show as they would want this year.

Kris Kiser, president of organisers the OPEI and managing partner of GIE+EXPO, has sent a video message for Service Dealer readers today explaining their decision - which you can watch here. Kris also promises that 2021's show will be a real "door-buster"! At least that will give the winners of the competition we ran with the OPEI for a trip to the show, something to look forward to for next October!

As reported last week, plans are well advanced for Service Dealer's Conference and Awards in November - but with contingencies in place for it to run in an amended format to previous years.

I spoke to owner Duncan Murray-Clarke about the Conference this week, who told me, "Decisions are becoming more dynamic in the way the pandemic is being addressed. Fluidity is so important in order to do the right thing at the right time.

"Undoubtedly our conference will have a strong virtual and broadcast element - and we consider ourselves fortunate to be in a position to be able to do this.

"The format will reflect the situation nearer the time, but we are as ever pushing to continue supporting the dealers as best we can and the conference content will be timely and relevant."

Clearly being a conference rather than a machinery exhibition makes life a little bit easier for our organisers. It allows for different options and blends of options to be available to get the event on.

In recent times, the Conference has provided such a valuable experience for all who've attended. There have been so many learning opportunities which dealers have been able to take away and put into practice at their own businesses. Plus celebrating best practice amongst the network is always a joyful experience. And let's not forget the social side (although actually remembering it the next morning has proven tricky on occasion!)

So I am certainly looking forward to what's in store come November. This year more than any, help, advice and inspiration in how we can all Work Smarter, will be most welcome.