Spielwarenmesse was to be moved to summer for the first time this year, but the organisers have now taken the decision to cancel the event.
In an email to exhibitors, the team at Spielwarenmesse expressed its disappointment at having to take the difficult decision, writing:
“Today we regret to inform you that Spielwarenmesse 2021 Summer Edition has been cancelled.
The great uncertainty at national and international level due to the Corona pandemic and the lack of prospects for the fair industry in Germany on the part of politicians have had a considerable impact on the planning of the fair organisation and on the travel arrangements of international manufacturers and buyers. As a result, it would not have been possible to hold the Spielwarenmesse 2021 Summer Edition successfully.
All the more reason for us to look forward to welcoming you back to Nuremberg for the regular Spielwarenmesse from 2nd to 6th February 2022.”
In its role as organiser, Spielwarenmesse eG had pulled out all the stops to provide the industry with a suitable networking platform this year, and Ernst Kick, CEO Spielwarenmesse eG, said: “Initially, we received excellent feedback about the Summer Edition from both exhibitors and visitors. In recent weeks, however, the disappointingly slow improvement in the pandemic has been fuelling uncertainty across the industry.”
Following the unrelenting uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic both on a national and international level, it has been decided to cancel the event and to focus instead on Spielwarenmesse 2022. The resolution was passed at the supervisory board meeting on 25th March. Ernst added: “Our top priority remains the health and safety of all our participants.”
The organisers lamented a lack of political perspective with regard to trade fairs which has had a considerable impact on their ability to make firm plans and for international manufacturers and buyers to schedule and book travel and accommodation. Despite the measures already set in motion, they now feel it would be impossible to stage the Spielwarenmesse Summer Edition successfully without having the all-important run-up to the fair clearly mapped out.
Looking ahead, all energy will be channelled into the regular Spielwarenmesse which is scheduled to run in February 2022 and will take place in conjunction with Spielwarenmesse Digital. For the first time ever, the organisers will be linking the live exhibition in Nuremberg with the virtual world, enhancing the participation of both suppliers and buyers whilst providing them with the best possible service.
“We’re receiving such a positive response from across the board,” said Ernst. “The market players cannot wait to get together again in February. And we’re very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Nuremberg for the 72nd Spielwarenmesse.”
Readers can visit the Nuremberg website for more information, and Toy World will keep readers updated.
