Shipping of critical supplies for conferences and other large events is at risk of significant delays due to dockworkers’ strikes and disruptions from Hurricane Helene.
Event planners may face the challenge of sourcing fresh ingredients for planned menus, leading to last-minute changes and increased costs. Shortages of imported alcohol could force event organizers to find alternative suppliers or adapt products.
Logistics issues are not just catering issues. The availability of decoration, trade show stall materials and technical equipment has also been affected. Overall, the knock-on effects of the dockworkers strike are likely to increase costs, disrupt schedules, and create challenges in maintaining the quality and consistency that customers and attendees expect.
“The business events ecosystem depends on the efforts of hard-working individuals. That includes the longshoremen unloading cargo at our nation’s ports,” said Tommy Goodwin, vice president of the Exhibition & Convention Alliance (ECA). “We are monitoring the situation closely and hope to reach an amicable resolution as soon as possible to ensure that thousands of meetings, conferences and trade shows scheduled during the busy autumn period are not affected.”
One or two punches
The strike follows the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Event consultant Christa Hovis is working with clients in North and South Carolina affected by the storm. “We are evaluating the status of the current vendors we work with on these customer projects to see if and when they become operational and able to support the projects we are planning,” Hovis said.
She is also overseeing the strike. “If the strike lasts longer than a few weeks, it could have a direct impact on pricing, shipping schedules, etc. This is in response to possible storm impacts on our suppliers.
Beth Lawrence, chief experience officer at Beth Lawrence Meetings & Events, emphasized that the strike may affect the meetings and events industry in unexpected ways. “Bananas, a breakfast staple, more than 75% arrive at the port. Then there are coffee and chocolate, which are already more expensive. If the strike lasts for at least three weeks, it will take until January to replenish items in the food chain.
Dockers’ strike could affect your next cocktail party
The dockworkers’ strike will also affect cocktail party activities. About 80 percent of imported beer, wine, rum and whiskey comes through the port, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
In addition, the promotional products industry, an important part of the conference, is another industry hit particularly hard by the long dock workers’ strike. Most promotional products sold in North America (such as logo tote bags, water bottles, pens, etc.) are manufactured overseas and sold into the domestic market.
Despite the challenges, Lawrence remains optimistic. “We are a very nimble industry and if the strike continues, we will find a way to bounce back. But this will require innovation and collaboration across the supply chain,” she said.
