Following the worsening of the pandemic situation worldwide and the accompanying tightened travel and contact regulations, Ambiente 2022, which was to be held from 11 to 15 February in Frankfurt, has been cancelled.
While this wasn’t an easy decision, it was one that needed to be made, says Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt.
“In agreement with large parts of the industries represented at the fairs, it is our responsibility to take this difficult step,” he explains.
Due to worldwide travel warnings and restrictions, and the classification of Germany as a high-risk area, many exhibitors and visitors are not willing to put themselves or their employees at risk and the willingness to travel is at an all-time low.
It’s disappointing news as everyone was excited to get back to business and meet up again face-to-face.
“The last few months have been characterised by optimism, energy and ideas to give Ambiente a successful new start after the compulsory break in 2021.
“Our thanks therefore go to all our partners from the consumer-goods sector, be they exhibitors, visitors, associations or the media, who worked with us on the trade fairs until the very end and, like us, put their heart and soul, energy and passion into staging them.”
Besides Ambiente, Christmasworld, Paperworld and Creativeworld (all scheduled for January 2022) were also cancelled and there are no plans to reschedule any of these events.
“Since the trend-oriented order cycles of the international consumer goods industry require an annual event at the beginning of the year, a shift to the second half of the year would not meet the needs of the exhibiting companies and visitors,” admits Braun.
Like last year, order and data management platform for the home and living sector, Nextrade, will provide a digital alternative to the fair.
“A second year without appropriate ordering, inspiration and networking formats poses considerable and in some cases existentially threatening challenges for retailers worldwide,” Braun explains.
“With our digital offers, we are specifically supporting our partners in industry and trade in this volatile situation. In addition, we will continue to put all our energy and optimism into safe and promising trade fairs, because there is no substitute for meeting in real life.”
