An explosion occurred Tuesday near the Gaylord Orpyland Hotel, damaging some of the exhibit hall area and thereby forcing organizers to cancel the expo portion of the 2012 Crawford Contractor Connection.

According to an e-mail sent out by event organizers this morning: “No alternative space is available.  The Wednesday Welcome Reception will be relocated to the Tennessee Ballroom and Lobby with expanded hours from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM.  You are certainly invited to attend the Welcome Reception and network with the attendees.  The Thursday and Friday schedules will continue unchanged (with meals relocated) including the Thursday evening trip to the Wildhorse Saloon.  This information will be posted and displayed at the hotel but if you are not onsite, please share with your onsite personnel as soon as possible. Your registered attendees should also receive a general communication related to this incident and modified schedule later this morning.”

The 2013 event is scheduled to take place in San Antonio, TX.

For more information on the gas explosion that forced the evacuation of 5,000 guests Tuesday night, click here.