Tire Technology Expo, due to be held at the Deutsche Messe, Hannover, in March 2021, has been rescheduled to June 8-10, 2021, as a result of the still fluid Covid-19 situation across Europe.
Tony Robinson, founder of the Expo, explained why it was pertinent to make the change: “It is abundantly apparent that the continuation of C-19 will unfortunately contribute to significant uncertainty and ongoing travel restrictions. Nobody can foresee how the pandemic will unfold between now and the end of 2020.”
However, despite the postponement, plans are afoot to keep the tire industry up to date on the latest technological developments in the interim. Robinson highlighted, “In the meantime we are acutely aware that companies have new technologies to present to customers and very few ways of reaching customers outside of their core communities. We will therefore soon be announcing a number of new ways to connect you to customers with Virtual Conferences and Virtual Technology Showcases.”
Although Europe-based events are on hold, other parts of the world are open for Expo business. “Obviously the year has been extremely challenging for everybody, but for us a high moment and good indication of what’s to come in 2021 was running our Testing Expo China Automotive show, last week in Shanghai,” stated Robinson. “Although we lost some exhibitors, who canceled for all the obvious reasons, including travel restrictions, fear of the virus and the negative impact of it on their businesses, the Expo attracted 230 exhibitor stands alongside 8,000 visitors to the event over the three show days [in addition to exhibitor attendees]. The feedback from exhibitors was fantastic and it proved how strong the appetite is to see new technologies and to attend relevant shows.”
As one exhibitor commented following the event, “We had a wonderful show during the last three days, so a larger stand is needed for ATE 2021. If there are any available for 100m2 (or more) for stand 9020, would you please inform me immediately?”
Robinson concluded, “I would like to use this moment to wish all of our valued tire technology community three things: safety, health and success. I look forward to joining you all again next summer. In the meantime, I will be working in the background to bring the industry together in new and highly productive formats.”
