Javits Center Suffers Minor Flooding Post Sandy, Opens for Business

Tina Benitez-Eves -- Gifts and Dec, 11/2/2012 1:03:50 PM

NEW YORK - The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center didn't escape the effects of Superstorm Sandy, yet it was back up and running within 24 hours after the storm.

Water entered the Javits Center during the storm Monday night because of the venue's location on 12th Ave. (within close proximity to the Henry Hudson River). Some water reached the loading docks and Level 1 of the exhibitor floor, but within 24 hours, all water was removed, according to Leslie Buxton, a spokesperson for Javits.

"Assessment of the damage was determined and restoration of the area has commenced," Buxton told Gifts and Decorative Accessories. "Electricity went out in Manhattan below 34th Street and has yet to be restored. Due to internal generators, the Javits Center was not affected by power outages."

The ISC East show, which was supposed to take place October 30-31 was rescheduled for November 28-29, while the Advanced Energy Conference and PIX 11 2012 Health & Wellness Expo were cancelled. The American Diabetes Association Diabetes Expo, originally scheduled for this weekend is being rescheduled, and the move in for the 2012 ING New York City Marathon Health & Fitness Expo was delayed one day but opened yesterday and on schedule.

Next week, shows expected to move in and open on time, include Customer Engagement Technology World, Ad Tech and The International Hotel Motel and Restaurant Show. All other November shows will take place on their planned dates.

So far, all is up and running, and it's business as usual forJavits. "The Javits team's response to Hurricane Sandy has ensured that event managers have all the information they need to proceed with their events," said Buxton, "and that the economic impact of the storm on the convention and trade show business in New York has been minimized."