Confectionery and snacking trade fair ISM is reporting many positive signals in the run-up to next January's event, including the announcement that around 80% of the trade fair space is already booked.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic, the detailed protection and hygiene criteria supporting the hosting of trade fairs in Cologne is an important pillar for the success of ISM and ProSweets Cologne, which is being staged in parallel.
#B-SAFE4business
Together, both trade fairs are offering the entire industry a wide-ranging product and information platform for the coming year, and both are aligned with the #B-SAFE4business concept developed by Koelnmesse.
This includes, among other things, online ticketing with complete registration, significantly wider aisles, extensive hygiene measures and obligatory mask wearing in all sections, except when seated at stands or in the foodservice area.
Furthermore, Koelnmesse has launched the project #B-SAFE4businessVillage. The aim of this village is to give the exhibitors of upcoming trade fairs an idea over the next few weeks of how trade fairs can be made possible in these challenging times, under observance of hygiene and safety distance regulations.
"We will act in line with the needs of the respective industry for each individual event," said Oliver Frese, executive director and chief operating officer of Koelnmesse. "All of these measures support our customers in being able to plan and realise their trade fair appearance as efficiently as possible in spite of the current challenges.
Matchmaking365+
"In addition, in the form of the previously announced digital industry tool, Matchmaking365+, we will be taking an important step in the direction toward hybrid trade fairs of the future and are thus extending the digital reach of both trade fairs beyond the mere duration of the trade fair itself."
Matchmaking 365+ provides companies exhibiting at ISM with additional digital opportunities for establishing contacts and networking with customers. This also includes product presentations, video content and other information in the digital 'Exhibitor Showrooms'. Virtual meetings per video, chat or audio are also possible.
Access to the digital trade fair platform is free of charge for registered exhibitors, trade visitors and media representatives.
For more information about ISM 2021, visit www.ism-cologne.com.
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
