IFA Berlin planned in September in old form

Due to the Corona pandemic, last year’s IFA Berlin could only take place under difficult conditions, but a “Special Edition” was at least possible. This year, it should then be like before and a “real” trade show with visitors on site.

End of “Special Edition”

The organizers of IFA are very confident and plan to have a “real” trade show again this September. They are positive about the future and there has already been a lot of interest expressed in the show by manufacturers, brands and companies from all sectors. The plan is to hold the IFA from September 03 to 07, 2021, and already at this point more than 80 percent of the exhibition space has been reserved. In 2020, the fair was held as a so-called “Special Edition” with a limited number of exhibitors, press representatives and trade visitors in a very small setting.

Companies and organizers agree – “meeting in real life”

When planning IFA Berlin 2021, the organizers emphasize that the safety of visitors as well as exhibitors is always the top priority. The organizers are therefore in constant contact with the health authorities and are developing suitable concepts for implementation. Jens Heithecker the IFA Executive Director and Executive Vice President of Messe Berlin is confident about the event: “Global vaccination efforts are gaining tremendous momentum, while tough barriers are finally paying off – which gives us confidence that we can invite the world to come to Berlin in September for IFA 2021.” New records are not expected with IFA this year, of course, yet everyone involved is confident that the show can take place in September.

True to the motto “Tech is Back in Berlin,” the organizers agree. Martin Ecknig, CEO of Messe Berlin says of the planned September show, “The message we hear from our industry is clear: ‘Tech is Back in Berlin’ and ready to meet with retailers, media and consumers – for sure, but in real life.” The chairman of the supervisory board of gfu Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH holds a similar view, saying, “It’s been a tough year for everyone, but our industry has innovated and worked hard to help people get by and be resilient – to make it possible Stay connected with friends and families, work from home, stay healthy and entertain yourself even in times of lockdowns and other restrictions. Now we’re ready to showcase our innovation for the future beyond.”

Online trade shows in 2021 vs. on-site trade shows

Other trade shows this year were unfortunately held online only. Among them, CES in January, Hannover Messe, HAM Radio and even ANGA Com will likewise only be held online. In June of this year, the Mobile World Congress is still planned as a “real” trade show, but some well-known exhibitors have already cancelled. It is therefore unclear whether the trade show will be held at all.