Eurobike 2020 cancelled as corona closes in
BI Report || BusinessInsider
Photo: Bike Europe
The special edition of Eurobike planned for November 24 to 26 will no longer take place, the organisers have announced on Friday. The stricter measures being enforced across Europe against coronavirus have forced Messe Friedrichshafen to take the decision to cancel the event. A live, on-site format for next year is now in development.
In early May, Messe Friedrichshafen decided to move Eurobike 2020 from September to November, the latest possible date. “Our comprehensive hygiene and safety concept, as well as the positive number of registrations for the Eurobike Special Edition had given us cause us to be optimistic until very recently,” says Klaus Wellmann, CEO Messe Friedrichshafen.
Too many obstacles
“Unfortunately, the latest developments now call for a rethink. It has become extremely unlikely that the situation regarding travel will improve by the end of November. The temporary ban imposed on accommodation also presents an additional obstacle. It is now our duty to act responsibly. It is against this backdrop and with a heavy heart that we have decided to postpone the bike industry get-together at Eurobike in Friedrichshafen until next year,” Klaus Wellmann announced.
Europe is seeing a rise in the number of infections and travel restrictions have recently been extended to many European countries as well as to regions inside Germany. The organisers report that many participating companies have also introduced stricter internal travel bans.
No longer able to fulfil assignment
“The success of the Interboot trade fair in September gave us a real boost in discussions surrounding Eurobike. But now, ultimately, there is no alternative other than to call the event off for this year. After numerous participants have recently declared their intention not to attend, the Eurobike Special Edition 2020 can no longer fulfil its assignment of bringing together supply and demand,” explains show manager, Stefan Reisinger, before looking to the future. “Our priority is now to set the course for the 2021 event, so as to find the best possible way to bring the industry together in Friedrichshafen and to move it forward. We will be announcing the details in due course.”
Messe Friedrichshafen has also announced that it will be refunding Eurobike participants for any exhibitor fees and tickets.
