According to organiser Messe Frankfurt, the decision to cancel the live event (planned to take place next March) was due to governments tightening travel restrictions and the fact the latest pandemic developments are causing growing uncertainty among trade fair customers.

Wolfgang Marzin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Messe Frankfurt: “It is important for our customers that we make a decision at an early date, as it would otherwise be time for them to begin investing in their trade fair presentations. Messe Frankfurt will continue working closely with its customers to ensure that its decisions serve the interests of the exhibiting industries.”

“That is why Messe Frankfurt has reacted to tightened travel restrictions by revamping its spring 2021 trade fair calendar for Frankfurt.

Messe Frankfurt has already organised 13 large trade fairs at various locations in China since the crisis began. Unfortunately, however, it is not possible to hold such events in Germany at present. This is in spite of the fact that exhibition halls are amongst the safest enclosed buildings in which people can spend time without being subjected to an increased risk of infection. The halls can be continuously resupplied with fresh air, and in conjunction with the measures included in our extensive hygiene concept, people could safely do business in person here on the Frankfurt exhibition grounds.”

The online only version of ISH 2021 will include exhibitor presentations (products, information, videos, contact persons, chat functions and one-to-one video calls), intelligent matchmaking that delivers suitable business partners for AI-supported lead generation, live streams and on-demand broadcasts of the supporting programme, and appointments for online meetings with exhibitors.

Further information about ISH: www.ish.messefrankfurt.com.