Photo: GHM
14 October 2020
The optics and design trade show, Opti 2021, has been cancelled in light of rising rates of coronavirus (COVID-19) and national travel restrictions.
The event, which was scheduled to take place from 8 – 10 January 2021 in Stuttgart, Germany, will now be held from 14 – 16 January 2022 at Fairground Munich.
Organisers of the trade show explained that the difficult decision to cancel was taken as a result of increasing uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions and infection rates.
Dieter Dohr, chairman of the management board of the event organisers, GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH, explained that, while many exhibitors have continued to express an interest in introducing their new products to customers in person, developments such as national travel restrictions have led to many registered exhibitors cancelling their participation in the 2021 event.
“As a result, the situation is becoming increasingly uncertain for Opti visitors as well,” Mr Dohr continued. “Under these conditions, we would not have been able to meet the justified expectations and the objectives pursued by the exhibitors who registered.”
The event organisers outlined their commitment to delivering a platform for business. Earlier this year, the team had announced a COVID-19 hygiene concept for the event, developed with the venue owner – Stuttgart Messe – and the authorities in the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg.
However, with exhibitors opting to cancel, Mr Dohr commented: “It has always been our aim to organise an Opti that is secure and successful for everyone and that is supported by a solid industry majority.”
He added: “It was with a heavy heart that we decided to take this step.”
The organisers will now direct efforts towards the 2022 event, “which will once again provide a positive impetus to the optical industry,” Mr Dohr commented.
The event, which was scheduled to take place from 8 – 10 January 2021 in Stuttgart, Germany, will now be held from 14 – 16 January 2022 at Fairground Munich.
Organisers of the trade show explained that the difficult decision to cancel was taken as a result of increasing uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions and infection rates.
Dieter Dohr, chairman of the management board of the event organisers, GHM Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen mbH, explained that, while many exhibitors have continued to express an interest in introducing their new products to customers in person, developments such as national travel restrictions have led to many registered exhibitors cancelling their participation in the 2021 event.
“As a result, the situation is becoming increasingly uncertain for Opti visitors as well,” Mr Dohr continued. “Under these conditions, we would not have been able to meet the justified expectations and the objectives pursued by the exhibitors who registered.”
The event organisers outlined their commitment to delivering a platform for business. Earlier this year, the team had announced a COVID-19 hygiene concept for the event, developed with the venue owner – Stuttgart Messe – and the authorities in the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg.
However, with exhibitors opting to cancel, Mr Dohr commented: “It has always been our aim to organise an Opti that is secure and successful for everyone and that is supported by a solid industry majority.”
He added: “It was with a heavy heart that we decided to take this step.”
The organisers will now direct efforts towards the 2022 event, “which will once again provide a positive impetus to the optical industry,” Mr Dohr commented.
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