GLASSTEC 2020 POSTPONED TO JUNE 15 – 18, 2021

 Industry and Associations endorse the decision

   The effects of the Coronavirus have now also impacted glasstec 2020, International Trade Fair for Glass Production, Processing and Products. Originally planned for October 2020 the event has been postponed to June 15 – 18, 2021 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany. Messe Düsseldorf, in close consultation with the trade fair advisory board and all partners involved, has decided on this new date due to the current situation in the industry and the continuing uncertainty regarding travel and quarantine regulations in the core target markets. Messe Düsseldorf is already working together with the associations on digital service formats for 2020 to bring customers and exhibitors together and make the information offerings of glasstec available digitally to interested trade visitors at the original trade fair date. More information will be available shortly.

   “The economic crisis caused by the Corona pandemic has also hit the glass industry and its machinery and equipment manufacturers hard. Many companies are forced to switch to crisis mode and put all investments – including trade fair participations – to the test in order to mitigate possible negative economic impacts. Potential travel restrictions and the protection of visitors’ and exhibitors’ health will have an impact on visitor numbers. A smaller glasstec 2020 with markedly fewer visitors would in our view not do justice to the trade fair. glasstec has been and will be the most important global event for the glass industry, mechanical engineering and skilled crafts; and since it should continue to be that way we decided to postpone. In 2021 we expect a strong glasstec with high international attendance, ideally in perfect sync with a phase of economic recovery after Corona,” stated Egbert Wenninger, Chairman of the glasstec advisory board and Chairman of VDMA’s Glass Technology Forum.

   Dr. Overath, Director General of the Federal Association of the Glass Industry (BVG e.V.), added: “glasstec is the leading trade fair for glass. It thrives on the internationality of its visitors and brings together people from all over the world who are enthusiastic about the material glass. However, in view of the Covid 19 pandemic, many companies and visitors will either refrain from participating this year or reduce their involvement at the trade fair considerably for economic reasons. We therefore support the trade fair's decision not to hold glasstec this year. glasstec should be postponed to a time when the focus is no longer on the Coronavirus but on the material glass.”

Skilled trades sector also support the decision to postpone the trade fair to the coming year.

Michael Wolter, Federal Guild Master, commented: “In view of the many uncertainties that still exist in connection with glasstec 2020, this results in an unacceptable risk for potential exhibitors with regard to the necessary trade fair planning and the associated investments. We therefore welcome a postponement of the date to 2021 with the aim of being able to do justice to the "glasstec brand" again at that time. This is entirely in the interest of exhibitors and trade fair visitors.”

   Werner M. Dornscheidt, President & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, appreciates the cooperation of all partners in this special situation: “In close consultation with the industry associations, major exhibitors and many other partners, we were able to agree on the new date. We are pleased to be able to offer all those involved the greatest possible planning security with this joint decision. Naturally, we are also in close contact with the hospitality sector and all other industries affected by the postponements in order to find practicable solutions. The safety and health of our visitors, exhibitors and employees is of course our top priority at the coming event. Appropriate precautions will be developed and taken in partnership with the conceptual partners (the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association VDMA, the Federal Association of the German Glass Industry and the Federal Guild Association of the Glazier Trade). As usual, a high level of hygiene and good medical care is in place at the Düsseldorf exhibition center for the upcoming trade fairs in autumn 2020. We are closely monitoring current developments and are in direct contact with the authorities in this regard. This ensures that any new findings can be quickly exchanged and measures adapted.”

   For further information on visiting or exhibiting at glasstec 2021, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: (312) 781-5180; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit www.glasstec-online.com and www.mdna.com; Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/mdnachicago

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