Frankfurt - The Techtextil, Texprocess and Heimtextil exhibitions, which were scheduled for April and May 2021, have been delayed until 2022.

The decision from show organisers Messe Frankfurt, following close consultation with its customers and partners, comes amid ongoing concerns over the regulations and travel restrictions that are still in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

"There is currently no end to the pandemic in sight. Events are effectively banned in Germany, and ongoing international travel restrictions mean that it is impossible to make any trade fair plans for April or May 2021," said Detlef Braun, member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt. “The coronavirus pandemic has taken centre-stage, and our plans have not escaped its impact. In light of the current situation, it would not be possible for us to satisfy our customers’ requirements for international trade fairs in April or May."

According to Messe Frankfurt, an annual spring event is essential for the trend-based order cycles in the technology, consumer goods and textile industries, which means that postponing these events until the second half of the year would not have served the interests of exhibitors.

In addition, this is the time when industry participants normally shift their preparations into high gear – logistics lead time that is particularly essential for exhibitors at Techtextil and Texprocess, some of whom need to bring machinery to Frankfurt for their presentations.

"As a result of the current situation and ongoing travel restrictions, exhibitors are faced with huge uncertainties regarding who will be allowed to be present and their customer contacts, making it extremely difficult to commit to trade fair participation," Braun added. "It simply is not possible at present to offer any planning certainty for investments in trade fair presentations for April or May."

With physical events not possible, Messe Frankfurt says it has has created numerous digital offerings for its customers. Additional digital information and content offerings are already being planned for Heimtextil, Techtextil and Texprocess. “The ongoing shutdown of retailers in our visitor countries has made relevant up-to-date information and solutions essential, and we are satisfying this demand with our digital offerings during this volatile time," organisers said. "As you know, we are also continuing to do everything in our power to make safe and successful trade fairs possible, because nothing can take the place of face-to-face encounters.”

Heimtextil will now take place from 11 to 14 January 2022, with Techtextil and Texprocess taking place in the second quarter of 2022.