FDBusiness.com

Following detailed conversations with the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), and in the interests of health and safety for all concerned, the PPMA has taken the decision to postpone this year’s PPMA Show until 2021 (28-30 September).

This decision has not been taken lightly. PPMA considered the implications for visitors and exhibitors in respect of everything from social distancing, availability of hotels, travel and the preparation time required.

The Government has also not yet relaxed restrictions regarding mass gatherings, nor has it published any guidelines for staging large scale events such as ours when the restrictions are lifted. All in all, PPMA felt the risk was too great. The health and well-being of those involved remains paramount, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Richard Little, PPMA’s Show Director, comments: “It’s the first time that we will not be staging our flagship event since the show’s inception in 1988, which is really disappointing. While we are pleased that the COVID-19 infection rate currently appears to be declining in the UK, the future trend is by no means certain and the risk remains. There are too many unknown variables to consider and our utmost priority is of course to ensure the safety of all those involved with our show.”

He adds: “We also had to consider that many of our exhibitors and visitors to our shows are categorised by the Government as key workers, providing a range of essential engineering and maintenance services to aid the critical supply of food and pharmaceutical goods.

“On behalf of the PPMA, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our exhibitors, suppliers, registered visitors, staff members and media partners alike for their continued support during these unprecedented times. We now look forward to PPMA Show 2021.”

PPMA Show 2020 was proving to be another very popular industry event, with over three quarters of all exhibition space sold seven months prior to the Government lockdown in March. The show was on course to be one of the largest PPMA shows in 32 years, which reinforces its growing popularity and brand strength.

In the meantime, the PPMA Show 2020 website (www.ppmashow.co.uk) will remain a continual information source for exhibitors and visitors, which will include enhanced media and video content.

The PPMA has also confirmed that PPMA Show 2021 will be held at the NEC, Birmingham, on 28-30 September.