Spielwarenmesse eG and NürnbergMesse have collaborated on a Health & Hygiene concept to keep visitors safe.

The organiser of Spielwarenmesse has announced that the international trade fair will be going ahead as scheduled in January 2021, ending speculation that the event would become one of a long list to be cancelled due to coronavirus.

Spielwarenmesse eG has collaborated with venue operator NürnbergMesse and the relevant health authorities to develop what it calls a Health & Hygiene Concept. Visitors and exhibitors will only be allowed onto the fair grounds if they are in good health; attendees who have been in contact with someone infected with Covid-19 in the previous 14 days, are displaying symptoms of a respiratory illness or are running a raised temperature, will not be admitted.

Visitors are also being urged to observe a 1.5 metre social distancing rule across both the site in general and during meetings, necessitating a widening of the aisles. Face masks, hand washing, and the use of ‘coughing and sneezing etiquette’ will also play an important role in the concept, alongside a stringent disinfection routine and modern ventilation systems to exchange air. Visitors will also be required to register in advance for their personalised tickets and passes; this will also make it easier to contact attendees after the show, if needs be.

According to an official statement, some 90% of exhibitors have booked their stands for the show and familiarised themselves with the Health & Hygiene Concept, which Ernst Kick, CEO of Spielwarenmesse eG, says will allow everyone to focus on the main point of the event. “When it comes to personal encounters and sound buying decisions, trade fairs are more important than ever,” he said. “Particularly in our industry, they are an indispensable driver of growth. That is why we’re doing all we can to stage Spielwarenmesse 2021 – the most important industry hub of the year – whilst ensuring that it is as safe and enjoyable as possible.”

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