FESPA 2020 Event Postponed
In light of the rapidly evolving situation regarding COVID-19 in mainland Europe, and in close dialogue with its national Associations and exhibitors, FESPA has today taken the decision to postpone FESPA Global Print Expo 2020, European Sign Expo 2020 and Sportswear Pro 2020, originally scheduled to take place at IFEMA Madrid from 24 to 27 March 2020.
Based on feedback from exhibitors, FESPA will now seek to reschedule the events for a later date, precise timing and venue still to be determined based on venue availability.
FESPA CEO Neil Felton explains: “Until this week, our actions with regard to COVID-19 – including the pre-emptive action taken in February regarding exhibiting companies from China – have been informed by guidance from the relevant international and national authorities, with the primary objective of safeguarding the health and wellbeing of exhibitors and visitors. However, in light of the recent spread of the virus in specific areas of mainland Europe, we have consulted with our stakeholders and have concluded that it is in the best interests of our community to defer the events to a later date.”
FESPA will provide an update regarding revised event dates in due course.
On the 20th February FESPA had the released the following:
Exhibiting companies from China:
With effect from 20.2.2020, FESPA is formally contacting all exhibiting companies from China at the three Madrid 2020 exhibitions, requiring that they provide documented evidence that all representatives of their company attending the exhibitions, including sub-contractors, have not resided in or visited China at any time after 5th March 2020. This represents a two-week period preceding the beginning of the build-up of the exhibitions.
FESPA believes that this proactive policy is in the best interests of the health and well-being of exhibitors, attendees, partners and staff (as well as the general public in the host city of Madrid).
FESPA recognises the importance of the Madrid 2020 exhibitions to the exhibitor community within China and has made every effort to minimise the disruption and impact to these companies.
Exhibiting companies from China not fulfilling this requirement will not be able to participate at the Madrid 2020 exhibitions, and their options are being clearly communicated to them in writing by FESPA’s representatives in China.