HANNOVER MESSE 2020 canceled

HANNOVER MESSE cannot take place this year. This is due to the increasingly critical situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a prohibition order issued by the Hanover region. Accordingly, the world’s most important industrial trade fair may not be held during the planned time frame. In the interim until the next HANNOVER MESSE in April 2021, a digital information and networking platform will offer exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to stay informed about economic policy and exchange ideas on technology.

Hanover. This year, the industrial world will not be able to gather in Hanover. Extensive entry restrictions, social distancing measures, and a ban issued by the Hanover region make it impossible to hold HANNOVER MESSE. At the same time, the economy has also been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis. The manufacturing industry—the core clientele of HANNOVER MESSE—is already grappling with the severe consequences of the pandemic. German industry is experiencing declines in demand and revenue. As a result, there are supply bottlenecks, production stoppages, and reduced working hours.

"Given the rapidly evolving situation surrounding COVID-19 and the sweeping restrictions on public and economic life, HANNOVER MESSE cannot take place this year," says Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Executive Board of Deutsche Messe AG. "Our exhibitors and partners, as well as the entire team, have done everything in their power to make the event happen. Today, however, we must acknowledge that it will not be possible to host the world’s most important industrial trade fair this year.”

This is the first time in the 73-year history of HANNOVER MESSE that the event will not take place. However, the organizers are not canceling the trade show entirely. “The need for guidance and exchange is particularly important in times of crisis,” said Köckler. “That is why we are currently working around the clock on a digital information and networking platform for HANNOVER MESSE, which we will be opening to our customers very soon.”

The web-based platform will feature various formats that allow exhibitors and visitors to HANNOVER MESSE to discuss the upcoming economic challenges and technological solutions. Live streams will broadcast interactive expert interviews, panel discussions, and best-practice presentations to audiences around the world. In addition, the digital exhibitor and product search will gain new features. Among other things, visitors and exhibitors will be able to contact each other directly.

"We firmly believe that nothing can replace direct human interaction, and we are already looking forward to the post-COVID era," says Köckler. "But flexibility and a pragmatic approach are especially important in times of crisis. As the world’s leading industrial trade fair, we want to provide guidance during the crisis and keep the economy moving—and that is exactly what we are doing with our new digital offerings."

Thilo Brodtmann, VDMA Chief Executive Officer: "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 mitigating the impact of the pandemic within its own companies so that it can get back on track afterward. In April 2021, mechanical engineering companies will be back in full force in Hannover.”

Wolfgang Weber, Chairman of the ZVEI Executive Board: “The fact that the 2020 Hannover Messe cannot be held is a bitter loss, but the right decision. For the electrical industry, the trade fair is a window to the world—one that, unfortunately, will remain closed this year. Our companies will therefore use the time until 2021 to address the significant consequences of the coronavirus. Next year, they will be all the more eager to showcase their latest products and solutions related to Industry 4.0 and the energy system of the future.”

HANNOVER MESSE 2021 will be held from April 12 to 16, 2021.

Press Release dated March 26, 2020