REFRIGERA: another postponement – November 2021
Refrigera 2021 has been postponed again. An announcement stating the new (and hopefully definitive) dates was released by the organisers of this important Italian trade fair focusing on the refrigeration industry a few days ago.
Bologna remains the venue but the event will now be held from 3rd to 5th November; three days of events, meetings and exhibitions designed to relaunch the industrial, commercial and logistical refrigeration sectors. The post Covid-19 re-launch looks set to be full of innovation and news.
Further postponement of Refrigera 2021 is the right choice
The decision to postpone Refrigera 2021 again was carefully considered and discussed among associations, exhibitors and various other partners involved in the event. Normally held in April, the event had already been postponed once and was due to be held over the summer (30th June – 2nd July).
That postponement was dictated by the third wave of Sars-Cov-2, which recently swept through Europe. The resulting instability had already cast doubt on the possible re-launch of the event, due in part to delays in the roll out of vaccination campaigns.
In light of the progress made in that direction in recent weeks, the trade fair could have gone ahead at the end of the month (in line with the Italian Re-opening Decree), as planned by the organisational committee. However, they decided that it would be wiser to allow themselves more time.
The latest postponement decision was based on the increased number of vaccinations, which is expected to reach the threshold of optimal herd immunity by September 2021. This means that by November (when the fair is scheduled to be held), restrictive measures should be relaxed, if not removed completely.
Those attending will therefore have the chance to enjoy Refrigera 2021 in complete safety and without any troublesome restrictions which could detract from the experience. It is likely that the wearing of face masks and some social distancing will still be mandatory, but there will be more freedom than now.
A unanimously popular decision which is not cause for concern
Those involved in the Refrigera 2021 project have reacted positively to the re-scheduling of the event. Its postponement by a few months is no longer cause for concern, especially considering that the prospect of an exhibition with fewer restrictions means that it will be more substantial, which is better for participants.
It is in fact important to remember that Refrigera represents a key reference point for the European refrigeration sector and attracts thousands of individuals, companies and sellers, both at national and international level, every year. Waiting to return to normality is therefore a small sacrifice compared to the earnings guaranteed by such a large, well-structured event.
Bologna Fiere is already working hard to try and increase the available exhibition space further, so as to be able to accept the numerous participation requests, which are increasing daily. Given the general desire to get back to work and do it in the right way, moving the event to the autumn has generated a consensus, rather than causing resentment.
Incidentally, Refrigera 2021 is also set to be the first post Covid-19 event related to that industry and therefore has the task of launching the recovery of the industrial, commercial and logistical refrigeration sector throughout Europe. This is not a responsibility to be taken lightly but, nevertheless, organisers have accepted this challenge enthusiastically.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
