Messe Düsseldorf is postponing the trade fairs ProWein, wire, Tube, Beauty, Top Hair and Energy Storage Europe, although its print and packaging events interpack and drupa currently remain as scheduled for May and June.
In light of the developing worldwide COVID-19 outbreak, Messe Düsseldorf had previously advised that ‘planning and preparations for drupa are in full swing and this is the case as well for other trade fairs of our portfolio that are currently running in Düsseldorf’, based on assessments and recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Robert Koch Institute and the German authorities.
This has now been reassessed and following the recommendation of the crisis management team of the German government to take into account the principles of the Robert Koch Institute when making a risk assessment of major events, Messe Düsseldorf has taken the decision to postpone a number of its events.
‘On the basis of this recommendation and the recent significant increase in the number of infected persons, including in Europe, Messe Düsseldorf has reassessed the situation,’ the trade show organiser said in a statement. ‘Added to this is the uncertainty of numerous exhibitors and visitors at the events in March and the complicated travel situation, especially for international customers.’
Werner M. Dornscheidt, CEO at Messe Düsseldorf, said, ‘Our customers, partners and employees trust us. Not only when it comes to the professional and successful handling of major international events in Düsseldorf. They can also have this trust in us when we make decisions about critical situations in the interests of their safety.’
The doors to Beauty Düsseldorf were due to open on 6 March, with Top Hair opening a day later; Energy Storage Europe was planned for 10-12 March; ProWein was due to run 15-17 March; and the wire and Tube events were set to welcome attendees to the German city across 30 March to 3 April. In close coordination with all partners involved, Messe Düsseldorf will promptly discuss alternative trade fair dates in order to guarantee planning can reliably proceed.
There are currently no intentions to postpone interpack and drupa, scheduled for 7-13 May and 16-26 June respectively.
Mr Dornscheidt continued, ‘Of course, we are taking our customers’ inquiries regarding the coronavirus very seriously here too, so we will re-evaluate the situation in good time in consultation with health authorities and partners in order to make the appropriate decisions.’
Thomas Geisel, Lord Mayor of the City of Düsseldorf and chairman of the supervisory board of Messe Düsseldorf, added, ‘This decision was not an easy one for all concerned, but the postponements at the present time are necessary for Messe Düsseldorf and its customers in view of the increasingly dynamic developments.’
Digital Labels & Packaging is monitoring the state of print and packaging trade shows around the world in light of the developing worldwide COVID-19 outbreak; read the full update here
