Following the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy in the Northeast, several Proofs subscribers asked me about any effect Sandy might have on the upcoming Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM). I asked Dr. Robert Edwab, executive director of the GNYDM, for an update.
Kevin Henry: How are things in New York City?
Dr. Edwab: Everything is back to normal in Manhattan. The subways are back up, the taxis are running, the hotels are open, and the tunnels are functioning as always. Yes, the outlying areas are still affected, but Manhattan is back open for business.
Kevin Henry: I saw that the Javits Center suffered some flooding. What is the update on it?
Dr. Edwab: The Javits has two shows moving in this week so it is ready for business. We haven’t had any cancellations and I just booked three more booths this morning.
Kevin Henry: Was there any damage to exhibits in storage?
Dr. Edwab: Freeman’s warehouse in New Jersey can’t be accessed because the roads are still flooded. We made arrangements to reroute shipments to come into a warehouse in Brooklyn and everything is being diverted there. A few exhibitors had some damage from flooding in warehouses throughout the Northeast, but Freeman has pledged to rebuild what was damaged and have it ready in time for our meeting.
Kevin Henry: What about attendance?
Dr. Edwab: Attendance is looking great. We are over 36,000 in total attendance, including 13,000 dentists.
Kevin Henry: What are you doing to try to help the dentists and dental practices that were affected by Sandy?
Dr. Edwab: We’re trying to come up with a plan to have a booth space dedicated for dentists who need expedited equipment and supplies. These dentists can come to this area and order what they need and know they will get it the next day.
Kevin Henry: What do exhibitors need to know about the dentists and dental practices affected by Sandy that are coming to the show?
Dr. Edwab: Exhibitors should plan on dentists placing orders and needing expedited shipping. They need to be ready for this. Also, I think exhibitors should consider making the equipment they have on-site available for dentists to buy and take home with them. That would help those dentists who are in need of items quickly.
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