In the scope of the current resolution of 27 August 2020, together with the state premiers, the Federal Government has decided to extend the current ban on large events until December 2020.
Since the measures resolved still refer to events such as music festivals, concerts and sporting events, the organisers can still go ahead with ISM, which is planned from 31 January to 3 February 2021. ProSweets Cologne, which is being staged parallel, will also take place on these dates.
For Koelnmesse, the decision of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia permitting trade shows and trade congresses, as long as suitable protection and hygiene concepts are adhered to, is decisive.
The feedback from the industry and trade is explicit – business has to carry on despite COVID-19.
Business Relations
"This is why the industry is particularly looking forward to personal encounters and discussions after this long time without trade shows, because business relations cannot exist long-term without them," commented Sabine Schommer, Director ISM.
"Beyond this, trying out products is essential for buyers for their decision-making process. To this end, ISM 2021 offers optimum solutions for the organisation of trade fairs in the scope of its "#B-SAFE4business" concept, so that the distribution of samples is also possible under these framework conditions."
Furthermore, in addition to the physical trade fair, the world's largest trade fair for sweets and snacks is offering a new online industry tool for registered exhibitors and trade visitors as well as for media representatives.
Through the platform 'Matchmaking 365+' ISM exhibitors can thus also reach trade visitors in good time before the fair opens, regardless of the physical exhibition dates of ISM 2021.
This opens up the possibility of establishing business contacts in advance of the show, as well as additional networking and information exchange benefits.
Access to the digital Matchmaking platform of ISM will be granted to registered trade visitors and media representatives free of charge.
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
