In view of the current situation pertaining to the spread of the coronavirusin Germany and in Europe, WZF Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft ZoologischerFachbetriebe GmbH as Interzoo organizer in close cooperation withNürnbergMesse GmbH as assigned partner for the organization of the event seesitself forced to postpone the world’s leading exhibition Interzoo 2020 to alater date yet to be determined.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the spread of the coronavirus(SARS-CoV-2) a pandemic on 11 March 2020. In each of Germany’s 16 federalstates infections have been recorded, and the German Federal Ministry ofHealth recommended that major events with more than 1,000 participants shouldbe called off. On 12 March 2020, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel advisedcitizens to carefully scrutinise whether or not to participate at any event,including gatherings attracting less than 1,000 participants. Under thecurrent circumstances it is very likely that the relevant ministries andhealth authorities might also prohibit major events with more than 1,000participants scheduled for May 2020.
Given the current situation and its extremely dynamic proportions, paired withthe unforeseeable consequences of the pandemic, WZF as Interzoo organizer, aswell as NürnbergMesse being assigned with the organization of the event areunable to sufficiently guarantee for the health of all trade fair participantsif the event were to take place in May as scheduled. “Our decision is based onthe WHO’s recommendations as well as the German Robert Koch Institute’s riskcatalogue “General Principles of Risk Assessment and Recommended Proceduresfor Major Events”. Holding Interzoo in May 2020 is unfortunately impossible”,explains WZF Managing Director Alexandra Facklamm.
Interzoo is the world’s leading trade fair for the global pet suppliesindustry, attracting trade visitors from more than 120 countries. “Untilrecently, all indications were that the May 2020 trade fair would prove to bea highly successful event. Exhibitors and visitors alike expect the globalindustry’s premier trade fair to provide them with sterling internationaltrade contacts and excellent opportunities for business”, says Dr Rowena Arzt,WZF’s Director Exhibitions. “Based on the current situation, it is impossiblefor an event in May to honour this performance bond. Apart from the self-evident health risk, the massive travel restrictions currently experienced donot allow unimpeded transnational traffic.”
“Postponing Interzoo is a challenging, but necessary step. For the sake of theindustry and to serve its interests in the best possible way, we see no othersolution”, explains Norbert Holthenrich, President of Germany’s Pet Trade andIndustry Association (Zentralverband Zoologischer Fachbetriebe ZZF), thehonorary sponsor of Interzoo. “We sincerely hope that our members, exhibitorsand stakeholders understand that this was the only sensible choice we couldmake.”
Interzoo 2020 which was scheduled to take place from 19 to 22 May in Nurembergwill be postponed to a date yet to be determined. “We are aware of the majorimportance this trade fair holds for all stakeholders involved. This is why weare working full speed together with NürnbergMesse on an alternative date forthe trade show. We aim to announce the new date as soon as possible”, declaresDr Rowena Arzt.
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