Drupa has been put back till April 2021 due to the continuing spread of the SARS CoV-2 corona virus, while Interpack has been postponed till February 2021.
This decision had become inevitable in recent days, particularly following a ruling from the city of Düsseldorf on 11 March 2020, in which major events with more than 1,000 participants present at the same time are generally prohibited.
Werner M. Dornscheidt, chairman of the Board of Management of Messe Düsseldorf, stated: “The decision was taken in close consultation with our advisory boards and sponsoring associations.” He pointed out that this reflects the wishes of individual industries, adding: “As their partner, we are currently doing everything in our power to reduce the economic losses suffered by our exhibitors”.
The corona virus is continuing to spread across Europe, resulting in a total lockdown of Italy as well as many cities in other countries banning large public gatherings and sports events being either cancelled or played behind closed doors. The US has banned visitors from most European countries, while several national leaders have been infected in countries ranging from Canada to Brazil. We’ve already seen the cancellations of Fespa’s main event and the Sign and Digital UK show earlier this month, and just today Fespa has also announced the cancellation of its Brazil show, which had been scheduled to take place next week.
Claus Bolza-Schünemann, CEO of Koenig and Bauer and president of Drupa, explained: “A postponement of drupa was unavoidable after the latest developments. The decision is therefore right and responsible. Many exhibitors start their logistical preparations middle of March – today’s announcement of the postponement enables all those affected to react now, reschedule and prepare for the event date in April 2021. The excitement for ’embrace the future’ remains undiminished – also in 2021”.
Meanwhile, the Trade Association for the Hospitality Industry (DEHOGA) has called upon its members to show some flexibility in rebooking exhibitors and visitors to the trade shows.
Dornscheidt concluded: “We would like to thank all our partners for their excellent cooperation in making these difficult and time sensitive decisions. We are pleased that together a date was found so quickly in order to allow all those affected to reliably plan.”
Drupa will now take place from 20-30 April 2021 with Interpack now scheduled for 25 February to 3 March 2021.
Leave a Reply