Hannover Messe trade show cancelled for 2020

Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industrial technology fair, has been cancelled altogether for 2020, after originally being rescheduled to take place in July amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Organizers released a statement saying that the Hannover region in Germany has prohibited the event from taking place due to travel restrictions and bans on group gatherings.

The event was slated for April 20-24, 2020, and then on Mar. 4 was postponed to July 13-17, 2020.

Instead, a digital information and networking platform will be offered for this year.

“The corona crisis is affecting the economy, and the manufacturing industry – Hannover Messe’s core clientele – is already struggling with serious consequences of the pandemic,” organizers say in a statement.

“Demand and sales in German industry are declining, resulting in supply bottlenecks, production stops and reduced working hours for employees.”

Various web-based formats will enable Hannover Messe exhibitors and visitors to exchange information about upcoming economic policy challenges and technological solutions.

Live streams will transport interactive expert interviews, panel discussions and best-case presentations all over the world. The online exhibitor and product search will allow visitors and exhibitors to contact each other directly.

The next in-person Hannover Messe fair will take place April 12-16, 2021.

Here’s a list of the major manufacturing and automation events affected by the COVID-19 crisis.