Press Release
Messe Berlin reacts to the current fourth wave of Covid infections
The cancellation of the International Green Week and rescheduling of FRUIT LOGISTICA in response to the latest wave of the pandemic
Berlin, 26 November 2021 – Due to the severity of the fourth wave of Covid infections and accompanying restrictions, Messe Berlin has decided not to hold any of its own large in-house events in January and February 2022. Specifically, the company today cancelled the International Green Week 2022 while also rescheduling FRUIT LOGISTICA for April 2022. Both events are leading international events of global importance for their respective industries and kick off the annual trade fair cycle in Berlin. The International Green Week was scheduled to take place from 21 to 30 January 2022, and FRUIT LOGISTICA from 9 to 11 February. This event will now take place from 5 to 7 April 2022.
“The worst of the fourth wave of Covid infections still lies ahead of us, which is why we decided to act accordingly. At the same time, it gives everyone involved more planning certainty and we can prepare for the period beginning with March when this wave will have receded. We will now focus every effort on kicking off the 2022 trade fair year in spring with the ITB Berlin, the world's leading travel trade fair, in order to be able to host the world again in person on our exhibition grounds. The past weeks and months have shown that visitors and exhibitors are as keen as ever to take part in trade fairs, congresses and events in Berlin“, said CEO Martin Ecknig.
Trade fairs to start in spring with ITB Berlin
Based on the company’s “Messe Plus“ concept, already back in July a hybrid trade fair format was developed for ITB Berlin 2022. As part of a three-phase trade fair concept the run-up will consist mainly of matchmaking and organising appointments among trade visitors. With its physical and hybrid trade fair stands during the actual event, ITB Berlin will create a setting for successful participation in the show. Afterwards, on March 17 2022, the digital Business Day allows exhibitors and buyers to meet on a technologically user-friendly digital platform and catch up on appointments they were not able be make in person.
About Messe Berlin
Berlin has been a trade fair location for 200 years, and one of the most important in the world for many decades. As the state-owned trade fair company, Messe Berlin makes a major contribution to the city’s position. It designs, markets and organizes hundreds of live events every year. Its broad portfolio includes the global brands and leading trade fairs IFA, InnoTrans, ITB, FRUIT LOGISTICA and the International Green Week, as well as major conferences and outstanding events, such as the Fan Mile at the Brandenburg Gate. With around 90 offices abroad, Messe Berlin markets its events in over 170 countries. Every year around 25,000 media representatives from all over the world are accredited to the events at the company's headquarters under the Radio Tower in Berlin alone. Messe Berlin strives to be an outstanding host to visitors at all of its events, to provide the best possible business impetus and to ensure fair conditions for everyone. This self-image is reflected in the company motto: Messe Berlin - Hosting the World. www.messe-berlin.de
This press release can also be found on the internet: www.messe-berlin.de.