Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Deutsche Messe Managing Board: “We are taking all developments concerning the coronavirus (Covid-19) very seriously. We are in close contact with the responsible health authorities, the HANNOVER MESSE Exhibitor Advisory Committee and our partner associations VDMA and ZVEI.

On 25 February we held a meeting with the Executive Board of the Exhibitor Advisory Committee and the associations to discuss the current situation. All participants agreed that it is too early at this point to decide on postponing HANNOVER MESSE. We have received no substantial cancellations from exhibitors at the event, which opens its doors on April 20. We will be conducting further discussions with the health authorities this week to decide on the kind of measures that need to be implemented at HANNOVER MESSE.

Developments in Europe and the postponement of individual trade fairs in Germany however reveal that the situation can change from day to day. In that regard, we will continue to monitor and discuss the situation intensively – with the aim of re-evaluating the situation together with the health authorities and the Exhibitor Advisory Committee in mid-March, in week 12.

Irrespective of this, we will ensure the highest possible degree of hygiene, safety and medical care at the fair. The health and safety of all employees, customers, partners and guests enjoys the highest priority for Deutsche Messe.”