German consumer electronics fair IFA Berlin can’t take place this year in the usual format.
The reason is the ban imposed today by the State of Berlin on major events with more than 5,000 participants until October 24, 2020 in order to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
The IFA organisers, German consumer electronics association gfu and exhibition company Messe Berlin, are currently discussing the necessary steps and finalise an alternative concept for IFA 2020 that is already being developed.
According to a statement, the approach will build on the strengths of IFA as a leading trade fair and leading innovation platform. Further details are to be announced soon.
At IFA Berlin, the industry presents new consumer electronics and home appliances products each year. In 2019, the fair attracted almost 2,000 exhibitors and around 245,000 visitors. This year’s IFA is scheduled for September 4 to 9.
“The new framework conditions don’t come as a complete surprise, of course,” said Hans-Joachim Kamp, chairman of the supervisory board of gfu Consumer & Home Electronics. “However, they now provide clarity and enable us, together with our partner Messe Berlin as well as major exhibitors, to make concrete plans and preparations.”
