In the April issue of cpp, the emphasis is normally on pre-fair reports linked to the Hannover Messe, which takes place every year around this time. A comprehensive Special Subject section was also planned for this year. However, the global developments surrounding the coronavirus have completely overturned both our plans and those of the exhibitors and organisers. Like many other exhibitions and events, the Hannover Messe has now been postponed from the original April date until the week from 13 to 17 July in consultation with the Hannover regional health authority, the Exhibitor Advisory Committee of Hannover Messe and VDMA and ZVEI, the HMI’s partner associations. From the health and safety point of view, this is undoubtedly the only right option for exhibitors and visitors alike; it remains to be seen whether the new July date which has been fixed for the Hannover Messe is an equally good decision.
Against this background, the April issue of cpp has been amended to take account of current developments and the Special Subject
section put off until the June issue.
In view of the recommendation by the German Federal Ministry of Health and the Bavarian state government, Messe München felt similarly compelled to postpone Ifat 2020. The world’s leading trade fair for environmental technologies should have opened its doors on 4 May. Modern water and waste water technologies are key themes of this exhibition, which will now be staged from 7 to 11 September 2020. Our Special Subject section on Ifat has also been dropped from this issue for this reason. The coronavirus is causing considerable disruption all over the place and maximum flexibility is called for. We hope you enjoy reading this issue in spite of it and that you remain healthy throughout the coming months!
Günter Eckhardt, Editor-in-Chief
