Germany - Messe Berlin has announced that the Stage|Set|Scenery trade show will not take place as planned from 15-17 June 2021 and there are currently no plans for it to return as an event.
"With Stage|Set|Scenery, we have been trying since 2015 to establish an international industry meeting place and cross-trade exchange at Berlin for those who otherwise work behind the scenes to ensure perfect staging," said Dr. Martin Buck, head of travel and logistics at Messe Berlin. "Despite positive developments, the event unfortunately fell short of expectations."
He continues: "We deeply regret this decision. However, in these economically challenging times, we unfortunately had to make this decision, since Stage|Set|Scenery is unlikely to achieve necessary results this year or in the years to come. On behalf of the Stage|Set|Scenery team, I would like to thank our partners, exhibitors and visitors for their dedicated support and cooperation as well as the productive exchange over the past years.”
Organised by Messe Berlin in cooperation with Deutsche Theatertechnische Gesellschaft (DTHG), Stage|Set|Scenery had been held every two years since 2015, with a focus on theatre, film and event technology.

World - Showlight has announced the first sponsors of Virtual Showlight, the one-day online event taking place on 25 May.
Planned in celebration of the enduringly popular quadrennial lighting conference and networking event that was due to take place this May in France, Virtual Showlight aims to bring lighting professionals together online for a day of engaging papers, discussions, networking opportunities and break-out sessions from the comfort of their own homes.
Sponsors of the event so far include headline sponsor Robert Juliat, plus ACT Lighting Inc, Altman, ARRI, Ayrton, Claypaky, Copper Candle, ETC, Robe and Vectorworks. Virtual Showlight is also supported by media partner LSi, and by LSA.
“Sponsorship of Virtual Showlight offers a unique opportunity for sponsors to connect with clients and industry colleagues whom they have not seen for many months,” says Showlight. “As a sponsor you will qualify for a slot in which to host your own ‘breakout’ room during the day.”
Those wishing to get involved by sponsoring Virtual Showlight are encouraged to contact sponsorship@showlight.org.
Charity support
All proceeds from Virtual Showlight will go to support industry charities, including Backup and Behind the Scenes.
Backup is the UK’s registered charity that provides financial support to industry technical professionals, crew/production personnel and people working in the technical supply chain across the UK enterta

Middle East - Creative Technology Middle East has welcomed two new additions to its operations. Dailos Rodriguez has joined as venue operations manager for the company’s newly-formed venue services department. He has over 24 years of experience in the hospitality and AV industry and has worked across multiple venues. He has secured various high-profile contracts during his time and implemented in-house AV services for some of the Middle East's biggest hotel chains.
Of his appointment, Rodriguez says: "It is a great honour joining the CT team, and I look forward to getting started on the variety of fantastic projects we already have lined up."
Also joining the team is Mark Johnson, who has been appointed business development manager for venue services. With over 19 years of experience in the AV hospitality industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role, says the company. Johnson has secured several large-scale contracts across various venues and has been a key factor in the growth and development of many different AV venue services throughout the region. He states: "It's very endearing to be a part of Creative Technology's new Venue Services department from conception! I look forward to accomplishing many new first with CT."
Andrew Reardon, MD for Creative Technology Middle East, comments: "It is an exciting time for the Middle East as we continue to grow and expand our team of professionals and our offering. It is a pleasure to have both Mark and Dailos on board, and I wish them all the best going forward."

UK - EF Infection Control, a part of the EF Group, has announced the availability of a new solution to help ensure the safety of attendees at tradeshows and other major indoor events as industries worldwide move towards post-lockdown operation.
EF has partnered with infection and virus control specialists Aeret UK to develop the service Sanitise 360. Sanitise 360’s technology delivers a non-toxic atomised mist that kills 99.99% of bacteria and viruses that are airborne as well as on surfaces including Hepatitis, COVID-19, CoV2, SARS, MRSA plus fungi and mould that are associated with a variety of infections and allergies. Unlike most fogging systems, it is claimed to be completely safe to use around electronic equipment and has been engineered to leave no chemical residue behind in any of its applications.
Undisturbed surfaces can remain protected for anything up to 60 hours, while for high traffic sites an overnight application ensures a high level of safety. For tradeshow attendees, conference delegates, and even audiences at indoor events such as sporting fixtures, concerts, TV shows, or other arts-based events. Areas are protected and ready to use after 30 minutes.
“An atomised mist produces much smaller particles than fogging machines, meaning that it is effectively dry by the time it settles, not only destroying 99.99% of airborne viruses and bacteria but providing the same level of protection to surfaces as well,” comments Neil Goatcher, EF Group CEO. “Tradeshows are already doing their utmost best to provide COVID-secure environmen

UK - Lance Show & Publications Limited, organiser of The Showman’s Show has confirmed that the event will be held at Newbury Showground from 20-21 October 2021. The government setting out a roadmap to steadily ease the current lockdown and a tentative date of 21st June for all restrictions to be lifted has provided a much-needed boost to the outdoor event sector and prompted a string of exhibitor bookings, say the organisers.
Johnny Lance, event director of The Showman’s Show said: “The unveiling of the roadmap was the positive news that we’d all been waiting for. As publishers of the Showman’s Directory, we’ve seen a surge in event organisers getting in touch to confirm dates for their 2021 events and we’ve been busy updating the website. It’s also been wonderful to see so many high-profile events receiving national media coverage as they announce that they intend to run and to see ticket sales looking promising. It has certainly prompted conversations with many of our exhibitors and we’re delighted that bookings have got off to a steady start.”
Fellow event director, Jeremy Lance adds: “The roadmap is a step in the right direction, but we know that there are still many challenges ahead for event organisers and suppliers. Whilst we’re optimistic about events returning, our priority is to support our exhibitors and visitors so in the coming months we will be monitoring the situation to ensure that we plan the show in accordance with not only the regulations but the mood of the industry.”

UK - A new charity fundraiser is aiming to galvanise the support for live event industry professionals in need by making donating as easy as sending a text message.
Launched by the #WeMakeEvents campaign, Texting ONETWO is a text donation initiative, the proceeds from which will directly benefit entertainment technology charity Backup. Anyone who wishes to make a one-off donation can text the words ONETWO followed by the amount they wish to donate, to 70085. To donate £5 for example, you need to input ONETWO5.
The campaign has been backed by several prominent musicians, including The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger, who stated: “Everyone who works in production in theatre or live music needs to be recognised and given support in these trying times, so join us in helping them.” Frank Turner, Biffy Clyro, Enter Shikari, Katherine Jenkins and James Bay are also among the music stars who recorded a message to boost the fundraiser - watch the campaign video here.
The charity appeal is aimed at supporting the live events supply chain, which has been under enormous pressure to withstand the devastating effects of the pandemic on the wider events sector. A recent #WeMakeEvents survey revealed that 43% of businesses were at risk of folding by this summer whilst a third of employees revealed they had left or are considering leaving the

UK - Event Concept has appointed Adam Stanley to the role of managing director at the company. Stanley will succeed founder Mark Beaver and assume responsibilities immediately. Beaver, who established the firm in 1994, will remain within the business in an advisory capacity.
Stanley joined Event Concept in 2013 as a producer. Working on some of the companies most prolific events, he held roles as account director and most recently, commercial director where he presided over three years of growth.
Mark Beaver comments: “I was delighted to ask Adam to take over as managing director - Adam has an unwavering passion for client satisfaction and delivering truly memorable event experiences and I’m thrilled to see where he takes the business next. Under Adam’s leadership, I know our fantastic team will be supported, encouraged and excited for the next chapter of Event Concept.”
Stanley says: “After undoubtedly the toughest year, we really can now see some light at the end of the tunnel. We’re lucky enough to work with the most fantastic clients and I’m proud of our incredible team for their endless determination over the last 12 months and what we’ve accomplished. I’m delighted to take on the new role of managing director and I can’t wait to see where 2021 and beyond takes us.”

Europe - Integrated Systems Europe 2021 will not take place in an in-person tradeshow format this year, with a series of regional events set to be staged instead, the organisers have announced. The decision was taken due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic and the global travel restrictions.
The four-day show will be replaced by ISE Live & Online, a series of local events to take place in Barcelona, Munich, Amsterdam and London.
“We have reached this decision following extensive discussions with our exhibitors over the last few months, and more explicitly, these last 10 days,” comments Integrated Systems Events MD, Mike Blackman. “All along, there has been a clear demand for a four-day ISE show in Barcelona in June. However, uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and international travel remains, which means we are unable to run ISE 2021 in its traditional format.”
He adds: “Our exhibitors have made it clear that there is a desire to get the industry together, but on a local level. In response, we are targeting Europe’s key markets across the AV sector and aim to deliver a quality audience who want to meet potential suppliers, existing customers and network with their peers.”
ISE Live & Online will kick off at the show’s new home of Fira de Barcelona on 1-2 June. This event will be followed by one in Munich’s MAC Forum on 8-9 June; then Amsterdam’s RAI will host a third on 15-16 June, and finally, London’s Evolution in Battersea will take place on 23-24 June.
“For 2021, we have a rich and exciting dig

UK - The team behind theatrical reveal system at Electro Kabuki HQ has witnessed glimmers of hope turn into resurgent interest from companies in the events and theatrical sector. New enquiries from organisations in Europe, the Middle East and the US are seen as ‘green shoots’ that are indicators of renewed optimism and increasing confidence in the industry’s ability to recover.
New enquiries include interest from a company in Norway looking to acquire its own Electro Kabuki system having rented the intelligent reveal technology in the past. The company is planning a tour later this year. Other quote requests have landed from the United Arab Emirates and from the United States.
In addition, the team at Electro Kabuki has recently packaged a full demonstration system and despatched it to the Dutch National Opera & Ballet in Amsterdam. While a long-term Electro Kabuki partner in France has made a significant investment in 40 new dropper modules and had more than a dozen of its existing modules refurbished ready for new business in the coming months.
“We all know that the theatrical and events industry ground to a standstill in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic but there were indicators that all was not lost with enquiries continuing to trickle in,” explains Tim Lloyd, Electro Kabuki product specialist. “But now we are seeing a notable upturn in interest with an enquiry level that has the hallmark of returning confidence. We hope that the Chancellor’s spring budget announcement of almost £400 million for the Arts & Culture sect

UK - The Institute of Sound, Communications and Visual Engineers (ISCVE) has announced two online seminar presentations for its Annual Members’ Day. The online seminars are open to ISCVE members and non-members and will be presented by leading AV industry and Audio industry figures following the ISCVE’s annual general meeting.
The first presentation, taking place online on 10 March 2021 2:30-3:15pm, is titled AV Over IP using NDI and will be presented by Liam J Hayter, senior solutions architect EMEA, NewTek. The presentation will be taking a look at how NDI AV over IP technology can deliver next generation AV solutions, from meeting rooms to auditoriums, to TV studios and video conferencing.
The second presentation (4:00-4:45pm) is titled Brexit and the implications for our Industries and will feature presentations from Andy Simmons, UK & Eire sales manager, Nexo and Andy Lewis, managing director, Audiologic.
“This year our Members’ Day will take place entirely online for the very first time, using technologies we have all become very familiar with over the past eleven months or more. Both presentations look to be strikingly relevant and I’m delighted we can extend invitations to attend the presentations to both members and non-members of the Institute,” states Helen Goddard, president, ISCVE.

Finland - Genelec is supporting the female creative collective She Knows Tech (SKT) in its first-ever online conference, the She Knows Tech Summit. Taking place from 5-8 March and coinciding with International Women’s Day, the Summit is open to everyone, regardless of their gender identity, and is packed with masterclasses, workshops, panels and networking events covering music production, audio engineering, music technology and more.
Budding musicians, producers, engineers, songwriters, artists, and multi-faceted creators are all welcome to the Summit, where they will learn how to take total control of their artistry, from songwriting and performing, to production and engineering.
SKT CEO and founder Jasmine Kok comments: “Our core mission is to close the music industry’s gender gap and to dispel the notion that women are not interested in music production and technology.”
SKT co-founder Meghan Smyth adds: "It's been a challenging year for everyone, especially creatives. Now more than ever, we're feeling a pull to gather the SKT community in order to share knowledge and inspire one another to stay focused on our goals. We designed the SKT Summit for everyone, whether you need a push to get back into a creative routine, or you're looking for some fresh elements to bring into your already-productive flow."
Genelec co-owner Maria Martikainen concludes: “Being seen and having equal opportunities are one of the cornerstones of being able to reach your dreams and grow to be who you were meant to be.
“We at Genelec are very happy

UK - SLX, technical supplier to theatre, broadcast and live events, will support and supply Surrey-based Guildford School of Acting (GSA) with its ambitious spring season, which is set to see a total of six live productions across two venues, all available digitally by booking at https://gsauk.org/events.
The Production Arts Centre (PATS) is set to host Hamlet, An Image of an Unknown Woman and Red Velvet in March and will be supported by professional lighting designers Jo Town and John Rainsforth. The events are available digitally by booking at https://gsauk.org/events.
The Bellairs Theatre, located in the Ivy Arts Centre at GSA on the University of Surrey campus, is also due to have a busy spring schedule with a production of Titanic the Musical with final year BA Musical Theatre students, Babe the Sheep Pig performed by students undertaking full-time two-year post-graduate acting or musical theatre courses and Richard III, performed by final year students on GSA’s BA Actor-Musician programme. The Bellairs Theatre will be supported by professional lighting designers Seb Blaber, Andrew Bruce and Alex Musgrave.
Ruari Cormack, business development manager at SLX, says: “SLX has long been a champion of new talent in the live events and entertainment industry. This spring we’re delighted to be working alongside Guildford School of Acting whose final year students have produced exceptional productions that will launch them into their careers. As well as producing highly skilled actors, GSA also trains the

USA - Registration is now open for the New World Rigging Symposium (NWRS), produced by ESTA and USITT, which will take place online 6-8 April, 2021. The NWRS provides a virtual opportunity for riggers and those interested in the entertainment rigging industry to network, discuss current issues and new technologies, and help shape the future of the industry. The cost has been reduced to $99 and the symposium carries up to nine ETCP education renewal credits for re-certification.
Participants will be given a range of opportunities to further their technical knowledge in sessions on video wall rigging, automation and motorization, performer flying and rescue, and types of ropes. They’ll have a chance to learn about how the installation of a tension grid is working in a major facility, to get their questions answered by a panel of the industry’s most knowledgeable structural engineers, learn about working in cinema rigging, and how to be aware of and address the mental health impact of the pandemic. Visit www.esta.org/nwrs to see a complete schedule, session descriptions and presenters.
The symposium has been expanded to three days to allow more time for discussion and virtual networking over lunch and during the Rigging Cornucopia Happy Hour that will close each day’s sessions. During the 6 April Happy Hour, Roy Bickel will receive the ESTA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award which will be presented by Rocky Paulson and Chris Schmidt.
The keynote speaker will be Jeanette Farmer, whose career spans three decades of professional theatre technical

UK - In 2020, the first #ILoveLive prize draw raised £546,000 for the charity Stagehand helping music and road crew in desperate need. Launched this month is #ILoveLive 2, featuring more prizes from artists, promoters, venues and festivals.
Artists involved include Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons, Iron Maiden, Muse, Spice Girls, Simple Minds, Passenger, Fleetwood Mac and many more.
David Stopps, Ian McAndrew and Tom Schroeder, alongside Andrew Lenthall and Mike Lowe from Stagehand, began the #ILoveLive Prize Draw campaign to help raise funds for all the music stage and road crew in the live music events industry that have been affected by the pandemic.
David Stopps said: “When I heard about the tenth suicide among stage crew in late August, I knew I had to do something. Stage crew are not only suffering great financial hardship but most are also experiencing mental ill health. Money raised from these prize draws will actually save lives and help to safeguard their future.”
In September 2020 the Stagehand Covid-19 Crew Relief Fund was launched, with a target of raising £1m (including donations) by the end of 2020. This was achieved with the current total at £1.17m which has enabled Stagehand to issue over 900 grants to crew, with many more to follow in 2021.
The #ILoveLive prize draw campaign, in partnership with the Crowdfunder platform, gives music fans the chance to give something back to the people who make life-affirming live events happen and to win money-can’t-buy prizes from their favourite artists. This is not an aucti

UK - The UK government is being urged to recognise the “human and economic devastation” inflicted by the pandemic on the live events supply chain as part of a new awareness campaign launched by #WeMakeEvents this morning.
The Government Can’t See Us, Can You? unveils the devastation the pandemic has wrought on the live event supply chain as told through the stories of industry professionals. The movement has issued an open letter to Rishi Sunak asking the government to support out-of-work individuals and businesses and engage with the sector to develop a re-opening plan and a government-backed COVID-19 cancellation insurance.
The initiative is also calling on the public to join the conversation on social media by using #GovCantSeeUs and by writing to their MP.
Alongside The Government Can’t See Us, Can You?, #WeMakeEvents has published worrying findings from its latest survey carried out among 2,800 businesses and individuals in the live events supply chain.
It revealed that nearly half (43%) said they didn’t have the resources to survive until the summer, and more than a third of respondents (34%) had not received any government support throughout the crisis.
In addition, 50% of those surveyed have had to take work outside of live events to supplement their income, whilst a third have been forced to or are considering to leave the sector. The majority (93%) of respondents have said that their income has fallen dramatically, wi

UK - PLASA, the association for the live entertainment technology industry, and the ABTT (Association of British Theatre Technicians) are pleased to announce a collaboration that will bring the 2021 editions of both the PLASA Show and the ABTT Theatre Show under one roof from 5-7 September at Olympia London.
For 2021 only, this partnership between the two established associations aims to reduce pressure on the exhibition calendar as the industry’s eco-system recovers from the impacts of the pandemic and will bring the broad sector together for one landmark event.
As previously planned for 2020, PLASA Show 2021 - for this year with the ABTT Theatre Show - will debut at Olympia’s largest hall, the Grand. The ABTT Theatre Show will run in its own defined space, retaining its unique identity, and celebrating the ABTT’s 60th anniversary. The spacious Grand hall will also make room for more inspiring stands, more show features, and perhaps most importantly, extra aisle width for visitors to move around freely and safely.
It is with regret that PLASA Focus Leeds, due to take place from 11-12 May at the Royal Armouries Leeds, has been postponed for a second year. Following careful consideration of the uncertainty around the UK’s lockdown restrictions and the complex challenges facing the industry, PLASA has made the decision to only present the London-based PLASA Show this year and is very excited to be able to work with the ABTT in order to collaborate with the ABTT Theatre Show. By consolidating the trade show calendar to a single date line, bo

World - Following the recent announcement of Virtual Showlight 2021 which will take place online on 25 May, 2021, Showlight is renewing its Call for Papers from speakers keen to be a part of this inaugural event.
Showlight has always centred on its fascinating programme of papers, delivered by lighting practitioners from around the world. Determined to uphold the spirit of the popular quadrennial event despite the global restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Showlight will treat its delegates to a day of talks and networking opportunities online that give a flavour of the full event.
Submit your ideas
The organisers are therefore issuing a fresh call for papers to anyone involved in lighting - be they lighting designers, lighting directors, directors of photography, architectural lighting designers or associated crafts like programmers and manufacturers - to submit papers ideas suitable for presentation in the virtual conference on 25 May. Papers are to be 20 - 30 minutes in length, followed by a Q&A session. “Full technical support will be given in advance, so don’t be daunted by the virtual platform,” says Showlight.
“We aim for variety, across topics relevant to all aspects of the lighting industry today, and we envisage this will be especially appealing to speakers whose commitments usually prevent them from speaking at a full Showlight event. We want to hear about your experiences, your ambitions, your inspirations, your concerns, your successes and your failures. We are not looking for simple product promotio

UK - The Media Production & Technology Show, scheduled for May 2021, has been postponed until next year.
The event will now take place from 11-12 May 2022 back at Olympia and for the first time will be held in the National Hall.
The decision to move the show a full 12-months and reschedule into May 2022 has not been taken lightly, say the organisers. It has been made because of continued questions about the rest of 2021 and the possibility of hosting large scale events, as well as the availability of venues and other industry events already booked into the latter part of this year.
Additionally, with some form of social distancing and limitations on public gatherings likely to be in place for some time to come, organisers decided that its customers and partners would need time to reasonably plan and invest in the event to maximise their attendance at the show.
“The health and wellbeing of exhibitors, visitors and our staff is of utmost priority to us and we feel this is the best course of action for all, said Charlotte Wheeler, event director. “It has not been an easy decision to make, and we are deeply disappointed that the show will not take place this year. Following all the hard work from the team and all of the industry support we have received, this was going to be their biggest show yet. But now more than ever it is important that the industry support each other and navigate through these difficult times.”

UK - Artists including Sir Elton John and Radiohead are putting pressure on the government to resolve the problems around post-Brexit EU touring. UK artists will face red tape and fees for visas to play in some EU countries.
Sir Elton John told The Guardian: "Either the Brexit negotiators didn't care about musicians, or didn't think about them, or weren't prepared."
But Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage said the government had "pushed" for a solution and the door was still "open". She told MPs on Monday that the government had put forward a "very straightforward" plan to allow musicians to travel without work permits, drafted "in consultation with experts from the UK to creative sectors". She added: "Quite simply the EU rejected this proposal."
Brussels has previously argued the opposite, saying it was in fact the UK that turned down its offer.
Meanwhile, a growing number of MPs and Peers are rallying behind Tim Brennan’s petition and call for visa free travel for touring artists and professionals
Brennan’s Carry on Touring campaign seeks to secure free EU movement for touring artists and professionals. Carry on Touring is calling on the Prime Minister and the UK Government to take action and re-open negotiations.
Tim’s petition which has almost 300,000 signatures. asks the UK Government to negotiate a free cultural work permit to allow touring professionals visa free travel throughout the 27 EU states and to secure a Carnet exception for touring equipment.
“Support for my petition has been phenomenal,” says

World - Following the postponement of Showlight 2021 which had been set to take place this May in Fontainebleau, France, its organisers have announced that a one-day Virtual Showlight will be held in its place “as a temporary interlude”. The live online event will take place on Tuesday 25 May 2021 between the hours of 15.00 – 23.00 BST. The date coincides with the final day of the original event and the time has been chosen to best accommodate a global audience.
Virtual Showlight will host an online presentation of papers, each up to 30 minutes in length, from international keynote speakers, plus a live Panel Discussion. Q&A sessions will follow each paper with delegates able to message their questions via the chairperson.
The remainder of the time will stay true to the spirit of Showlight with scheduled breaks between sessions providing opportunities for delegates, speakers and sponsors to network in ‘breakout rooms’ where they can spend the time mixing and mingling with others, both socially and within interest groups, in a virtual way.
Virtual speakers wanted
Showlight is issuing a fresh Call for Speakers to enrich the Virtual Showlight programme and make the most of the opportunities presented by the virtual format. “We envisage this will be especially appealing for those speakers whose commitments usually prevent them from speaking at a full Showlight event,” say the organisers. Ideas should be submitted to papers@showlight.org
Virtual sponsors wanted
Sponsorship opportunities are available t

UK - On Tuesday 2 February, #WeMakeEvents gave evidence during the DCMS select committee inquiry into the future of UK festivals. The campaign’s political group leader Duncan Bell detailed the ongoing challenges faced by the live events and entertainment industry.
When asked if there is a problem with people leaving the industry due to COVID-19, he stated: "Freelancers have been forced to find work elsewhere. In a recent survey of 2,800 people over 30% of freelancers said they have had to leave the industry, and 20% say they hope to come back but are very unsure whether they are able to because of the lack of certainty." #WeMakeEvents is currently verifying the data from this survey and will be publishing the full report in the coming weeks.
One of the central aims of #WeMakeEvents is to get government-backed cancellation insurance for events, and following a question on the financial processing Bell explained: “In many cases there will be payments in the planning stage but the majority of funds will not be paid until the event has gone ahead…It’s one of the reason the insurance discussion is such an important discussion for us.”
"Conversations have been going on for some time and we have put forward various schemes," he added. "I think the urgent requirement and benefit of the insurance is to bring certainty to being able to plan and book equipment, making it the first link in the chain, not the last."
A road map still has yet to be presented by government on how and when the events industry is likely to re-open. "We

Europe - The organisers of Integrated Systems Europe 2021, scheduled for June in Barcelona, have set a 1 March deadline for making a decision as to whether the physical event will go head.
ISE managing director Mike Blackman remains hopeful that the show will go on. However, in his most recent statement, in view of the unpredictable nature of the pandemic and continuing travel restrictions, he remains guarded.
“Following the announcement that the InfoComm 2021 show will now take place in Orlando in October 2021, we want to confirm that Integrated Systems Europe, remains scheduled to open live and online on 1-4 June in its new home at the Fira, Barcelona,” says Blackman.
“Whilst we recognise there continue to be challenges ahead, we are in touch with government and the relevant health authorities to constantly monitor the situation. None of us can predict how the situation will look in June, but we are hopeful that by the second quarter of 2021 we will see the world return to a new ‘normal’ with vaccines being rapidly delivered in many countries around the world.
“We understand our exhibitors and partners need to make commitments that will incur cost and we do not wish to burden them unnecessarily. For this reason, if circumstances impact our ability to host an in-person event and we are forced to cancel this element of ISE, we will make this decision by 1 March.
“With the backdrop of the global pandemic, our priority in recent months has been devising the means to deliver a safe and secure event for all exhibitors and vi