Last week, EdisonReport wrote a controversial article titled, Is Light + Building at Risk, and we received a lot of feedback. Most were emphatic that they would not attend the show. Today Light + Building issued the following statement:
“The past weeks have shown us how volatile the current situation is and how much we have to get used to the fact, that the future is more difficult to plan than ever before.
In the last few days, we have received calls from many of our stakeholders and clients about Light + Building. Some of them showed deep concern and asked about a cancellation, some of them wanted to have a clear statement from us, and others urged us to definitely take place in any case because they absolutely need and want to hold “their industry trade fair event Light + Building” in March.
We take each of them very seriously, and we have consulted intensively with numerous customers, exhibitors and visitors alike – both nationally and internationally. Last but not least, the confirmation from exibitors and association partners in the strategy commission led to the clear vote to hold Light + Building in March 2022. Why?
For all those whose concerns we were unable to allay, we offered a late deadline of October 15, 2021 for withdrawal free of charge, which some companies took advantage of.
Now we have to make a decision for an event in March, which has to free itself of the current situation, because the situation will be different in spring:
This is what the model calculations of all the experts show.
A little late, perhaps, but courageously, politicians everywhere are taking measures to contain the pandemic again. By March, compulsory vaccination is expected to take effect in Germany and intensive consultations are underway by our industry association to have all WHO-approved vaccines also recognised in Europe, and thus in Germany.
At the same time, a few days ago and now, as we write this, we have been able to experience successful leading international trade fairs on the Frankfurt exhibition grounds: Formnext and Food Ingredients took place under 2G conditions and delighted exhibitors and visitors alike – and they came to Frankfurt from all over the world.
Our safety and hygiene concept is sophisticated, will permanently be adapted to necessities and has been approved by the authorities. We have already reported on this several times. We would also be happy to advise you individually on this. Even the latest tightening in Hesse still allows trade fairs on the basis of this concept. Because they are safe for all those involved.
What has convinced us most, however, is the response from customers, exhibitors and visitors alike. A recent survey in our international distribution network showed that almost 75% of those questioned definitely want a physical trade fair and – when necessary – are also vaccinated with the vaccines approved in Europe in order to be able to pursue their international business. We hear similar things from the German trade – which is in full concentration on the leading fair, the same from architects, planners, the trade.
Yes, Light + Building 2022 will be different, but all the more important now: the big issues of the day are waiting to be tackled and turned into business success. It is all about your topics and about your business success! It will be our joint task to promote Light + Building and your participation in the best possible way. Therefore, we are pleased to offer you the complete contingent of visitor vouchers for Light + Building 2022 free of charge.
Even in less good times, trade fairs have always been the place where the future is born. Together with you, we want to make Light + Building 2022 such a place of the future.
We look forward to seeing you there!”