A Flawless Opening in a Winter Storm

The Situation
Severe winter weather swept through New York City in the days leading up to COTERIE, creating uncertainty around travel, deliveries, and onsite labor. The situation intensified as the city enacted a mandatory travel ban, increasing pressure to keep the show on schedule while prioritizing safety.

The Challenge
The blizzard created several risks, including:

• Disrupted freight schedules and delayed deliveries

• Potential labor shortages and safety concerns

• Tight exhibitor setup timelines

• Risk of a delayed or incomplete show opening

Every decision needed to be fast, flexible, and informed.

Proactive Planning in Action
GES activated a comprehensive storm response plan and worked closely with both the Javits Center operations team and COTERIE leadership to navigate the changing conditions.

Key actions included:

• Early coordination with Javits Center teams on building access, docks, and snow removal

• Daily briefings and real-time communication with all stakeholders

• Flexible labor scheduling and adjusted move-in timelines

• Clear, proactive guidance to exhibitors to manage expectations and reduce stress

• Onsite leadership empowered to make immediate decisions

Execution on the Ground
Labor and freight were reprioritized to keep critical builds on track. Dock operations and deliveries were carefully sequenced to avoid congestion. Safety-first protocols ensured crews could work efficiently despite the city’s mandated travel ban and hazardous conditions, while continuous updates allowed for immediate plan adjustments as the situation continued to evolve.

Results That Matter
Through proactive planning and trusted partnerships:

• COTERIE opened as scheduled without disruption

• Exhibitors completed setup successfully

• Attendees experienced a fully show-ready marketplace

• No weather-related safety incidents occurred

• Client feedback praised clear communication and strong leadership

Why GES
This experience highlights GES’s ability to perform under pressure through proactive risk management, strong venue partnerships, and experienced onsite leadership.

When conditions are unpredictable, GES delivers certainty.