Messe Berlin and gfu Consumer & Home Electronics have jointly announced IFA 2021 has been cancelled as a physical event, in a “difficult and disappointing” but “inevitable” decision.

The decision to cancel the show, which was to take place in Berlin from September 3-7, was made following conversations with public health experts and multiple stakeholders.

According to a press statement from IFA “several key global health metrics did not move as fast in the right direction as had been hoped for – from the rapid emergence of new COVID-19 variants, for example in South Asia, to continued uncertainties about the speed of the rollout of vaccination programmes around the world.

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“This, in turn, is adding uncertainty for the companies that were committed or interested in coming to Berlin, as well as media and visitors – all of whom have to plan well ahead with regards to budgets, investments and travel – not just for IFA but for all similar events around the world.”

Messe Berlin also continues to support the fight against COVID-19, having converted parts of its exhibition area into a vaccination centre and emergency hospital facility.

These COVID prevention and aid facilities are now likely to be required for longer than originally anticipated, reported Messe Berlin.

Chairman of the supervisory board of gfu Consumer & Home Electronics Kai Hillebrandt commented: “Innovation needs a platform; it needs the focus of global attention. That’s why brands and manufacturers across the tech industry were very keen to come to IFA Berlin 2021.

“Unfortunately, the latest public health developments introduced too much risk into everybody’s planning for the event. There simply are now too many uncertainties.

“Therefore, right now it has become near impossible for anyone to responsibly plan their participation in any trade show.”

CEO of Messe Berlin Martin Ecknig added: “We did not take this decision lightly. IFA Berlin is arguably the most important event of the year for brands and retailers alike.

“IFA Berlin connects our industry with trade visitors, media and real consumers like no other event. However, the health and safety of everybody has to be absolutely paramount.

“The efforts to contain this pandemic – from the roll-out of vaccination programmes to the resumption of international travel – did not happen at the pace we had hoped for. Given these development, this difficult and disappointing decision was inevitable.”

Miele recently announced it was pulling out of the IFA 2021 physical event and Kuchenmeile.

However, organisers of the exhibition are now working with industry, trade and media partners to prepare a show for 2022, which will take place as a “full-scale” live event in Berlin from September 2-6.