Hannover Messe will not be able to take place this year. This was announced by Deutsche Messe at noon on March 26. "In view of the dynamic developments surrounding Covid-19 and the extensive restrictions on public and economic life, Hannover Messe cannot take place this year," said Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Deutsche Messe AG. "Our exhibitors and partners, as well as the entire team, have fought with all their might to hold the event. Today, however, we have to realize that it will not be possible to hold the world's most important industrial trade fair this year."

Comprehensive entry restrictions, contact bans and a prohibition order from the Hanover region make it impossible to hold the Hannover Messe, according to the organizer. At the same time, the economy is also affected by the coronavirus crisis. The manufacturing industry, the core clientele of Hannover Messe, is already struggling with the serious consequences of the pandemic, according to the trade fair company. German industry is experiencing a drop in demand and sales. As a result, there are supply bottlenecks, production stops and short-time working.

For the period until the next Hannover Messe in April 2021, a digital information and networking offering will provide exhibitors and visitors with the opportunity for economic policy orientation and technological exchange.

"We are firmly convinced that nothing can replace direct contact from person to person, and we are already looking forward to the time after coronavirus," says Köckler. "However, flexibility and pragmatic action are particularly important in times of crisis. As the world's most important industrial trade fair, we want to provide orientation and keep economic life going, especially during the crisis - and we are delivering on this with our new digital offering. "

Thilo Brodtmann, VDMA Managing Director: "The cancellation of Hannover Messe 2020 is a regrettable decision, but it is the only right one. The mechanical engineering industry must now focus on cushioning the consequences of the pandemic in its own companies so that it can then get back on track. In April 2021, the mechanical engineering industry will be back at full strength in Hanover."

Many had already suspected that the trade fair would be canceled after the Hannover Messe was postponed to July on 4 March. Nevertheless, it is a first: it is the first time in the trade fair's 73-year history that the event has not been held.

Hannover Messe 2021 will be held from April 12 to 16, 2021.