Messe Düsseldorf postpones drupa trade fair in Germany

Messe Düsseldorf is following the recommendation of the crisis management team of the German Federal Government to consider the principles of the Robert Koch Institute when assessing the risk of major events. Based on this recommendation and the recent significant increase in the number of people infected with the new coronavirus Messe Düsseldorf has reassessed the situation. In addition, there is the general ruling issued by 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. 

‘The decision was taken in close consultation with our advisory boards and sponsoring associations,’ said Werner M. Dornscheidt, chairman of the Board of Management of Messe Düsseldorf. It also reflects the wishes of individual industries: ‘As their partner, we are currently doing everything in our power to reduce the economic losses suffered by our exhibitors.’

‘The city of Düsseldorf is following the instructions of the state government. Our aim is to slow down the spread of the corona virus so that the health system can continue to function properly,’ added Thomas Geisel, Lord Mayor of the state capital of Düsseldorf and chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Düsseldorf trade fair company. 

drupa president Claus Bolza-Schünemann commented: ‘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.’

‘We would like to thank all partners for their excellent cooperation in making these difficult and time sensitive decisions. We are pleased that together dates were found so quickly in order to provide all those affected with reliability in planning,’ concluded Dornscheidt.