Following the renewed rise in coronavirus-related new infections on a global scale， Deutsche Messe AG has decided that DOMOTEX 2021 cannot take place as a hybrid event as planned， after initially shifting from January to May. Currently， an alternative digital business platform is planned in form of the DOMOTEX DIGITAL DAY on May 20， 2021. The focus element of this platform is a digital conference that will address current and forward-looking topics in the international flooring industry.
　　"Trade shows like DOMOTEX， which are characterized by a very high level of internationality on both sides， amongst exhibitors as well as visitors， have a long planning period. Following the recent surge in global coronavirus cases， accompanied by lockdowns， worldwide travel warnings and restrictions and quarantine requirements， we now have had to make this decision. Unfortunately， for the first time in its 32-year history， we will not be able to organize DOMOTEX in 2021 as a physical trade show on our exhibition grounds in Hannover. Even a hybrid DOMOTEX is not realistic in the current situation， as it would require a certain proportion of physical exhibitors and visitors on-site， combined with travel from all parts of the world. We have therefore decided to organize DOMOTEX as a purely digital event， in order to give our customers the necessary planning security from now on，" says Dr. Andreas Gruchow， Member of the Management Board of Deutsche Messe AG， commenting on the final decision.
　　Sonia Wedell-Castellano adds： "DOMOTEX thrives on the live experience. The shown products need to be experienced live on- site in terms of their look and feel. As long as the global pandemic has us so firmly in its grip and a sufficient vaccination rate cannot be guaranteed worldwide， we cannot safely plan for the future with a physical event. Markets thrive on exchange. Our customers are urgently looking for participation formats， which allow them to get in touch with their customers， expand their existing network and access new contacts to present their products and innovations despite contact restrictions. Our answer to these needs is the DOMOTEX DIGITAL DAY. A conference format， in which we will address current topics with top representatives of the industry on May 20， 2021， and provide participants with an interactive business platform. As part of the conference， exhibitors will be able to present their products and innovations， embrace business and indulge into networking and connecting. The specific opportunities for participation will be available in our online store pretty soon."
　　The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing trade show organizers to rethink. Numerous trade shows are currently taking place on a purely digital basis in response to the market participants’ desire for complementary digital offerings. With the new format DOMOTEX DIGITAL DAY， Deutsche Messe is acknowledging the importance of rapidly increasing online channels in the flooring industry.
　　The digital event will therefore also put a special focus on digitalization aspects.
　　DOMOTEX 2021 will take place as a digital-only event on May 20. The next hybrid DOMOTEX is scheduled for January 13-16， 2022， at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds.