Wednesday, September 9, 2020
“Despite all the challenges posed by the pandemic, the demand for space at LIGNA.21 continues to run high. The event will once again fill 10 halls as well as the open-air site, and all the major players have decided to exhibit. It seems that after many weeks of social distancing, lockdowns, online-only events and video conferencing from home, the industry is really looking forward to getting together for direct, person-to-person dialogue ” said Christian Pfeiffer, Deutsche Messe’s Global Director LIGNA & Woodworking Shows.
LIGNA 2021 is gearing up to reconnect with woodworking market. Amidst pandemic challenges LIGNA 2021 preparations are already in full swing and is enjoying strong industry support during the most uncertain times. “Naturally, none of us can foresee when the pandemic will have largely run its course, or when an effective vaccine might become available. To that extent, we must be realistic. The global travel restrictions, alone, mean we can anticipate fewer attendees from abroad than at LIGNA 2019. It is likely that there will be outbreaks of infection for some time to come, so we need to find new ways of helping companies to get and stay in touch with the marketplace. Our plans therefore revolve around the situation as it is. Consequently, we have teamed up with the relevant authorities and developed a detailed hygiene and safety concept involving facemasks, distancing rules and hygiene precautions. We are doing our utmost to ensure the highest possible standards in hygiene, safety and medical care for all our exhibitors and visitors,” he added further.
Dr. Bernhard Dirr, Director of the woodworking machinery division of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) is apprehensive about the pandemic and how crisis affected companies and their decision on participation in LIGNA 2021, “Of course, the pandemic has created a great deal of uncertainty among exhibitors and poses many questions that we will all need to address in the months ahead. Some exhibitors will want to adapt their participation to these new conditions, while others may decide to stay away altogether. In our conversations with exhibitors we have found the majority are very clear about how important it is for them to return to normal and give their customers a clear sign that they are confident about prospects and committed to meeting up with them at the show so everyone can get back to business. We are pleased that – despite the crisis – so many companies have opted to take part in LIGNA and lay the groundwork for recovery all around. The time has come to surmount the challenges of the current situation, and LIGNA will prove instrumental to that. If the show manages to convey the vibrant spirit and diversity of our sector in a visual and tangible was, then we will be able to speak of a successful LIGNA 2021 no matter what the exhibitor and visitor statistics might say.”
“LIGNA will present the pioneering developments and visionary ideas that will be shaping wood-industry production and business processes just a few years from now,” remarked Dr. Bernhard Dirr, director of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA). “LIGNA is our window onto the future, and that’s more important than ever given the COVID-19 pandemic. If we manage to showcase our industry in a way that people can physically explore, experience and engage with, then I think we can call LIGNA 2021 a success, regardless of the visitor and exhibitor turnout,” Dirr said.
Social distancing and safety at LIGNA
The LIGNA 2021 format incorporates a public hygiene strategy that Deutsche Messe has developed in consultation with the relevant authorities. The show will have comprehensive measures in place to protect the health and safety of exhibitors and visitors in all areas of the venue. Hannover’s hospitality sector is also ready for the new tradeshow normal.
Tags: Christian Pfeiffer, Covid-19, germany, Hannover, LIGNA 2021, pandemic, wood industry, woodworking and manufacturing, woodworking event
Comments: