For the period leading up to the next Hannover Messe in April 2021, a digital information and networking offering will provide exhibitors and visitors with the opportunity for economic policy orientation and technological exchange.

Comprehensive entry restrictions, contact bans and a prohibition order from the Hanover region make it impossible to hold the trade fair. At the same time, the economy is also affected by the coronavirus crisis. The manufacturing industry, Hannover Messe's core clientele, is already struggling with the serious consequences of the pandemic. German industry is experiencing a drop in demand and sales. As a result, there are supply bottlenecks, production stops and short-time working.

"In view of the dynamic development around Covid-19 and the extensive restrictions on public and economic life, the Hannover Messe cannot take place this year," says Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Deutsche Messe AG. "Our exhibitors and partners, as well as the entire team, have fought with all their might to hold the event. Today, however, we have to realize that it will not be possible to stage the world's most important industrial trade fair this year."

This is the first time in the 73-year history of the Hannover Messe that the event is not being held. However, the organizers are not cancelling the trade fair altogether. "The need for orientation and exchange is particularly important in times of crisis," says Köckler. "That's why we are currently working flat out on a digital information and networking platform for Hannover Messe, which we will be opening to our customers shortly."

Information about digital formats

There will be various web-based formats that exhibitors and visitors to the Hannover Messe can use to discuss the current economic challenges and technological solutions. Live streams will broadcast interactive expert interviews, panel discussions and best-case presentations around the world. New functions will also be added to the digital exhibitor and product search. Among other things, visitors and exhibitors can get in touch directly.

"We are firmly convinced that nothing can replace direct contact from person to person and are already looking forward to the time after corona," says Köckler. "However, flexibility and pragmatic action are particularly important in times of crisis. As the world's most important industrial trade fair, we want to provide orientation and keep economic life going, especially during the crisis - and we are doing this with our new digital offering."

Thilo Brodtmann, VDMA Managing Director: "The cancellation of Hannover Messe 2020 is a regrettable decision, but it is the only right one. The mechanical engineering industry must now focus on cushioning the consequences of the pandemic in its own companies so that it can then get back on track. In April 2021, the mechanical engineering industry will be back at full strength in Hanover."

Wolfgang Weber, Chairman of the ZVEI Management Board: "The fact that Hannover Messe 2020 cannot be held is a bitter loss, but it is the right decision. The trade fair is the showcase to the world for the electrical industry, which unfortunately remains closed this year. Our companies will use the time until 2021 to work through the considerable consequences of coronavirus. Next year, they will present themselves all the more with the latest products and solutions relating to Industry 4.0 and the energy system of the future."

Hannover Messe 2021 will be held from April 12 to 16, 2021.