ISE is pushing on with its June Barcelona event, announcing this morning that an improving Covid situation across Europe gives organisers renewed confidence for a physical event.
Despite the rapidly improving situation across Europe, the news will reach many who are currently under travel bans or facing quarantine measures and still uncertain about the prospects of international travel by June 1 to 4 when the show is scheduled to take place.
ISE is promising “a robust digital programme” which may be welcome to visitors, but will be of less help to exhibitors wondering if they will be able to effectively man stands at the show.
Today’s announcement comes with an acknowledgement that attendance is likely to be lower and promises to exhibitors of no penalty fees for withdrawal before March 5. Priority points for rebooking will also be retained from ISE 2020, although ISE 2021 exhibitors will receive double points for their participation in a move that could propel any that keep their money in this year’s show to the front of the queue for 2022. The organisers also promise that participation in digital events staged by ISE will count to rebooking.
The news keeps prospects of the show alive but with a March 5 deadline on no penalties for withdrawals or stand size reductions a look at the floor plan next week may provide better insight into what sort of show is likely to happen this year.