Due to the continuing uncertain situation regarding COVID-19, Koelnmesse has responded to the call by the green garden lifestyle industries and, for one year only, moved spoga+gafa 2021 to 8 to 10 August 2021. In parallel, Koelnmesse is working on digital formats that will complement spoga+gafa in the Cologne exhibition halls.

In an announcement today Koelnmesse said:  "Even though the majority of exhibitors and the market partners were optimistic, there was ultimately no choice but to reschedule the international garden trade fair from late May/early June to early August in view of the overall situation caused by the pandemic. This conclusion was reached in conjunction with the industry’s decision makers, despite intensive preparations and the #B-SAFE4business package of measures designed to allow trade fairs to go ahead under coronavirus-compliant conditions.

"The decision was underpinned by an international visitor and exhibitor survey conducted in February. The results revealed that the proposed August dates were strongly preferred. In August 2021, it will therefore be that time again, and spoga+gafa, the world’s largest garden and lifestyle trade fair, will open its gates from 8 to 10 August 2021. The trade fair thereby offers its international partners the unique opportunity to gather multisectoral insights into the world of garden lifestyles first-hand once again.

"In addition to members of the EFSA (European floral and lifestyle suppliers association), such as Capi Europe and Esschert Design, Fiskars, G.Wurm, Tel International, Hartman, Müsing, Old Com and other top global BBQ companies have already confirmed their participation at spoga+gafa in August 2021. The spoga+gafa partner associations BHB (Retailers’ Association for Building, Home Improvement), BIAG (Barbecue Industry Association Grill), IVG (German Garden Industry Association) and VDG (German Garden Centre Association) will also be involved.

"Because of the postponement, the exhibitors are, however, being given the option to withdraw from their contracts if they do so in writing within the next two weeks. In that case, any payments already made to Koelnmesse will be fully reimbursed. The deadline for such cancellations is 24 March 2021.

"This year, as part of Koelnmesse’s digitalisation strategy, spoga+gafa will be held as a hybrid event for the first time. The familiar, physical product presentation and networking formats will be supplemented by new, digital concepts, thereby ensuring greater international reach.

"spoga+gafa will therefore continue to be the place for new developments, innovations and trends – for exhibitors, buyers and decision makers – in 2021. On-site and online."

The spoga+gafa 2021 is open to trade visitors on 8 and 9 August from 09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. and on 10 August from 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. Further information is available at www.spogagafa.com.