IFA usually takes place in Berlin, Germany. The electronics show is now part of the many tech shows that will be affected by COVID-19. IFA says that unlike the MWC 2020, IFA will not be cancelled. However, it will be staged using an innovative way that will be communicated soon.
This statement was broadcasted in a series of confusing tweets.
“#IFA20: Set for an innovative concept designed for unprecedented times. IFA Berlin is set to go ahead in 2020, but with an innovative new concept, following the decision by the Berlin Government to ban all events with more than 5000 participants until 24 October 2020,” says IFA in a tweet.
The statement precedes an announcement that the show will still be held, but not in the manner we have come to expect.
IFA’s organizers, Messe Berlin and gfu say they had anticipated this development. They have been brainstorming a range of alternative concepts to host the consumer electronics and home appliances show.
“Planning is well advanced for a concept that will allow IFA to deliver on its core functions for our industry as a global showcase for technology innovation and an important meeting place for brands, manufacturers, retailers and media,” added IFA.
gfu and Messe Berlin will detail the new concept for IFA 2020 in the near future.
“We expected this development given the constantly evolving pandemic and appreciate that we have now a clear regulatory framework that enables us, our partners Messe Berlin and our exhibitors to make a detailed plan for IFA 2020,” said Hans-Joachim Kamp, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of gfu Consumer and Home Electronics.
Some of the affected tech industry events include Facebook i8, MWC 2020 and Google I/O 2020. Some events will also be held through a virtual platform, including MS Build 2020 and Apple WWDC 2020.
Novel respiratory disease COVID-19 has since been declared a pandemic by the WHO. The virus has seen many countries across the globe announce lockdowns. So far, 2.5 million people have been infected, with over 175000 deaths.
