‘Unrelenting uncertainty’ surrounding the pandemic means that focus now turns to Spielwarenmesse 2022, which will run from 2-6 February.
The organiser of the Nuremberg toy fair has this morning (30 March) confirmed that what would have been the first ever summer edition of the event – due to be held in July – has been cancelled.
The show had been moved from its traditional January slot due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, with Spielwarenmesse eG pulling out all the stops to provide the industry with a suitable networking platform this year.
However, due to the ‘unrelenting uncertainty’ surrounding the pandemic, both at national and international level, it has been decided to cancel the event.
The focus will now turn to Spielwarenmesse 2022 which is due to take place from 2-6 February 2022 in conjunction with Spielwarenmesse Digital.
“Initially, we received excellent feedback about the Summer Edition from both exhibitors and visitors,” commented Ernst Kick, ceo of Spielwarenmesse eG. “In recent weeks, however, the disappointingly slow improvement in the pandemic has been fuelling uncertainty across the industry. Our top priority remains the health and safety of all our participants.”
The company stated that the lack of political perspective with regard to trade fairs has had a considerable impact on the ability of exhibition organisers to make firm plans and for international manufacturers and buyers to schedule and book their travel and accommodation. Despite the measures already set in motion, it would be impossible to stage the Spielwarenmesse Summer Edition successfully without having the all-important run-up to the fair clearly mapped out.
The 2022 event will, for the first time ever, see the organiser linking the experience of the live exhibition in Nuremberg with a virtual element, enhancing the participation of both suppliers and buyers.
“We’re receiving such a positive response from across the board. 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,” added Ernst.
Long-standing exhibitor within the famous party hall, Sergio Battaner, sales and marketing director at Palmer Agencies, told sister title PartyWorldwide.net: “It makes sense, sadly, for this year’s show to hit the pause button and focus on the return to health of the world but rest assured we support the organiser’s decision and will enjoy being back with a bang in 2022.”
