The popular trade events wire Dusseldorf and concurrent Tube show have been postponed this year, with the show organisers yet to set the new dates.
The news comes hot on the heels of the postponement of Cologne's International Hardware Fair, with the decision to delay that show made less than one week before it began.
Messe Dusseldorf, the organiser behind wire and Tube, made the decision to postpone weeks ahead of the show dates - originally set to run 30 March to 4 April.
The official statement does not mention coronavirus or COVID-19 by name, but clearly refers to it at the reason behind the delay. It said the organiser had noted the recommendation of the German government's crisis management team to take into account the principles of Robert Koch Institute when making a risk assessment of major events.
The statement read: "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. 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 of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, 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."
Thomas Geisel, Lord Mayor of the City of Düsseldorf and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, said: "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.”
Naturally the pattern of show postponements has also extended beyond Europe - the Taiwan International Fastener Show was originally expected to take place in April and has now been delayed to October.
Cologne's Hardware Fair will now run in February 2021.
