Abcomrents and SmartSource, both Abcom Technology Group companies and providers of technology solutions, are lending their expertise to combating the coronavirus and helping the industry reboot. "With the COVID crisis, our mission is to keep America working and connected," said Shannon McNealy, marketing manager for Abcomrents.

Initially that involved helping the pandemic hotspots set up temporary medical facilities. For example, Abcom delivered more than 100 laptops in less than 24 hours to the Javits Center in New York when it was converted into a field hospital. The company also joined the Live for Life: Live Event COVID-19 Coalition, a group of professional event organizations helping the country combat the coronavirus and keep industry employees working. "We know we can have an even greater impact by joining the Live for Life Coalition," said Ali Vafa, CEO of Abcom. "The professionals in this industry are some of the most innovative and hard-working people I've ever known. Together, we can accomplish a lot at a time when our country needs it most."

Besides providing solutions for health care, Abcom has deployed more than 10,000 of its products to support companies as they grapple with work-from-home requirements. It has provided corporations with everything from computers and webcams for home offices to streaming and lighting equipment for creating webinars and virtual events. The tech provider is even helping schools and universities develop distant-learning solutions, municipalities hold official meetings, and religious organizations deliver worship services. And in a far cry from business as usual, SmartSource set up more than 2,500 fire chiefs and decision makers involved in urban and wildland fire management with the option to rent laptops, printers, computers, and tablets so that they can still be ready to deploy at a moment's notice. "The challenge now is letting the rest of the world know that laptop rental is even an option," McNealy said. "Outside of the trade show and events industry, few companies know that we can rent them office equipment and digital signage, and even outsource IT. This can help companies in all industries save money when they need it most. We've been working through the coalition and marketing to get the word out because rental solutions offer another way to keep employees working."

And now that the weather has turned and states have begun to reopen, Abcom is focused on finding creative solutions to ensure the trade show and events industry can safely get back to work. The company is partnering with companies and groups that, for example, are looking to take events outside – even if they are smaller – where social distancing can still be maintained. "Abcomrents and SmartSource will continue to find new ways to use our equipment and expertise to serve the greater good," Vafa said. "We, and all other members of the coalition, are working hard to help our country recover and prepare for the safe return of events and trade shows in the months ahead."