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further apart on our enlarged stand space , thereby easing visitor routing and allowing for sufficient waiting areas by the vehicles . Conversations on the stand and in the guest area were relaxed and safe thanks to the partition screens we had installed between the tables .”
Next year ’ s show is a big anniversary year , with the 60th Caravan Salon Düsseldorf returning 27 August to 5 September 2021 .
Meet mine host of Düsseldorf ’ s caravanserai EW interviewed Michael Degen , executive director of Messe Düsseldorf
How much of a challenge was it for the Messe to stage the Caravan Salon this year ? We were indeed faced with a major challenge . The pandemic is unprecedented . In developing the necessary hygiene concept , we took an interdisciplinary approach in order to cover as many facets of our business as possible . Physicians , technicians and event colleagues all took part . The involvement of the authorities was also of elementary importance and they were at the table right from the start . The current hygiene and infection protection concept gradually developed from those beginnings .
What are the current state regulations governing the running of exhibitions affecting the Messe ? With Covid-19 , completely new rules of the game were introduced , which must also be taken into account when planning a tradefair . For us , this meant above all that we had to redesign the entire hall to ensure that the necessary measures could be complied with .
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We achieved this , for example , by increasing the distances between the stands and thus the aisle widths .
At the same time , we had to change structures that had been in place for years . All this was only possible by communicating well , not only within the team , but also with our exhibitors . An extra 7,000 posters and signs were put up throughout the exhibition grounds , including distance markings , route guidance , instructions and general information about Messe Düsseldorf ’ s hygiene and infection protection standards . We also installed 1,600 disinfectant dispensers and 600 metres of Plexiglas for partitions .
How did the Caravan Salon differ in look , feel and numbers this year ? The most important thing is that all visitors to the fair felt safe and we did everything humanly possible to ensure this .
The use of a mouth and nose protector was obligatory on the exhibition grounds . In addition , all hygienic measures were adapted to the new conditions . Hand disinfectants were available for stand personnel and visitors at all hall entrances and stands . This year 350 exhibitors presented their innovations and new products in 10 halls and on the open-air grounds . And , although we had fewer exhibitors this year than in previous years , the range of products on offer was still the largest and most varied on the market . The maximum number of visitors was limited to 20,000 per day - with a total area of over 200,000sqm .
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Below : Health and safety rules were strictly observed at the show |
I assume there was a hybrid element . Tell us about that ? Tickets could only be ordered online through our website , so we could guarantee registration and direct tracking . Unfortunately , this year many media representatives from abroad could not come to Düsseldorf - especially from Asia , Scandinavia and Southeast Europe . For these media and other interested people , we broadcast all press conferences of our manufacturers as live stream and of course streamed our opening . In addition , all new products and vehicle premieres were available on our website .
What lessons can be drawn from the running of this exhibition for the wider events industry ? We learn , make things better - or completely different . We can set priorities , reprioritise or change perspectives . We simplify organisational processes , offer new services , create opportunities for mobile working , conduct more meetings digitally , perhaps even develop new business models , expand or optimise existing standards that protect our health .
How will the experience effect your planning and strategy for future tradefairs at the Messe ? We are happy that our hygiene concept works excellently and that the rules of conduct are accepted by the visitors without problems . Everything we learn today to improve hygiene at events will probably continue to accompany us - even after coronavirus . We have taken away with us procedures and patterns that serve health protection on our grounds . We are particularly pleased about the successful restart of the tradefair business . Every single tradefair has individual characteristics that need to be taken into account in future planning . Nevertheless , we can rely on a well-functioning basic framework - the Caravan Salon 2020 has proven this .
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