Disruption for trade shows is set to continue into 2021 as the Cologne Hardware Fair organiser has cancelled its 21-24 February 2021 show, rescheduling to 6-9 March 2022.
The trade show sector has been amongst those hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, with few exhibitions running this year. Cologne's Hardware Fair was originally set to take place in March of this year, before pushing to February 2021 for a hybrid fair, combining on and offline interactions.
The organisers said "the dynamic infection rate" and current travel restrictions led to the cancellation. It added: "This cancellation was very difficult for us, as we were very well positioned to hold the fair with our hybrid fair format and the planned contents as well as the comprehensive hygiene and safety concept #B-SAFE4business."
"However, we are now looking forward to the next EISENWARENMESSE-International Hardware Fair, which will take place in Cologne from 6 to 9 March 2022, with renewed energy and broad commitment from the industry."
Signifying a permanent change to trade shows beyond the pandemic, Eisenwarenmesse will retain the virtual and in-person hybrid element for the reconvened 2022 show.
