Internorga and SMM shipbuilding trade fairs to break new ground

27 November 2020

Talk of virtual Internorga - maritime sector to meet at SMM digital 2021

The Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH (HMC) has announced the cancellation of the physical Internorga trade fair for the out-of-home market and the Shipbuilding, Machinery & Marine Technology (SMM) fair both of which are likely to take place digitally next year. The decision comes amid the ongoing corona pandemic and the lack of planning security, a press release said Friday (November 13, 2020). The WindEnergy trade fair will become HMC’s first digital event and will get underway from December 1-4, 2020. SMM will go digital in February. The feasibility of a digital Internorga trade is currently being examined, said Bernd Aufderheide, Chairman of the Board of Management of Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH.

Digital Internorga to provide space for talks and trends

Rapidly rising corona infection figures and a partial, but second lockdown have deprived the hospitality and event industry of essential business over the last months: "However, every crisis holds an opportunity that must be seized now. We are currently reviewing the sense and feasibility of a digital Internorga, which should offer the opportunity for personal talks and discovering new trends and innovations even under the current circumstances," said Aufderheide. Internorga is gearing up to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021. The leading international trade fair for the hotel, catering and bakery industries is normally held annually in March.

Maritime Business Hub – core of digital SMM

Next year’s digital SMM will be held under the motto "Driving the Maritime Transition" from February 2-5, 2021. Emphasis will then be on "SMM Digital", an online platform that enables exhibitors to present themselves virtually and which also bundles networking, training opportunities and industry news. The platform will remain online until SMM 2022. "We are giving our exhibitors and partners an opportunity to present themselves regularly until the next physical meeting and to intensify their business relations thanks to our large database," said Claus Ulrich Selbach, Director of the Maritime and Technology Fairs Division at HMC. SMM’s services will be significantly expanded and the maritime sector updated with regular industry news and themed events. The SMM is normally held every two years and brings together a wide variety of stakeholders in the sector - from shipping companies, shipyards’ representatives to suppliers.

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