As the Miami Beach Convention Center readies itself for a major renovation, the folks at INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, are working overtime to determine where IDEA 16, North America’s largest nonwovens-related tradeshow will be held.

INDA announced at IDEA 13, that IDEA 16 would be held April 11-14 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Since that time, a renovation project has been fast tracked that will likely make only two halls available for those dates. INDA had reserved four halls for IDEA 16. INDA has held the IDEA show at the Miami Beach Convention Center every three years since 2001.

At the end of May, Miami Beach government officials announced they wanted to fast track the renovations, shortening the time frame from four years to three to lessen the impact it would have on the surrounding community. Construction is supposed to start after ArtBasel in June 2015.

While ArtBasel, one of the center’s highest profile shows has committed to remain in Miami Beach throughout the renovation, many other events will have to relocate.

“The actions of the Miami Beach Mayor and City Council, as published, have created a situation that is quite fluid at this time but we are working diligently on solidifying the IDEA 2016 location by the end of July,” says INDA president Dave Rousse. “There remains a remote chance it will remain in Miami Beach, but we are working now on alternative locations that can provide the floor space, meeting rooms, and hotel rooms we need for an event of this size, as well as adequate international air services.  Our main objective is to ensure the quality of the IDEA event.”

The association has compiled a short list of  possible alternative locations for the next IDEA exhibition and the INDA board will likely approve a final location at its next board meeting in July. Rousse adds that the show will be held in spring 2016, as planned.

Meanwhile, INDA is working through the Miami Beach contract issues.  “We expect all to come together before the end of summer and we expect we will be well positioned to put on an excellent IDEA 2016 event that will continue the strong tradition of IDEA to bring together the global Nonwovens industry for a week of constructive interaction and advancement of the success of the industry,” Rousse adds.