World's Largest Industrial Fair Germany's 'Hannover Messe' Abruptly Canceled... First Time in 73 Years

"Difficulty Hosting Due to COVID-19 Impact"
Scheduled to be Held April 12-16 Next Year

The world's largest industrial exhibition, "Hannover Messe," scheduled to be held in Germany, has been officially canceled due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the world's largest industrial exhibition 'Hannover Messe,' scheduled to be held in Germany, has been finally canceled. This is the first time in 73 years that Hannover Messe will not take place.

On the 27th, according to 'Deutsche Messe,' the organizer of Hannover Messe, the event will not be held this year due to comprehensive travel restrictions, bans on group gatherings, and prohibitions in the Hannover area caused by COVID-19. Hannover Messe announced that this year's schedule has been abruptly canceled and will be held next year from April 12 to 16.

Dr. Jochen K?ckler, Chairman of the Board of Deutsche Messe AG, said, "Considering the extensive restrictions COVID-19 has imposed on public and economic life, Hannover Messe cannot be held this year," adding, "The exhibition, partners, and the entire team have done everything possible, but we must acknowledge that we cannot host the world's most important industrial event this year."

Tilo Brodtmann, CEO of the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA), also emphasized, "The cancellation of Hannover Messe is a regrettable decision but the only decision," and stated, "Engineers will fully return to Hannover in April 2021."

However, Deutsche Messe announced that instead of holding offline events, it will focus on digital information and networking platforms to reconnect with customers.

Domestic companies that had planned to participate in Hannover Messe are also in a state of confusion following the cancellation announcement.

An industry official said, "Plans to fully enter the global market through Hannover Messe have inevitably been disrupted," adding, "As the impact of COVID-19 prolongs, major overseas schedules are becoming difficult."