This week the organization of the EXPO REAL communicated that they are committed to hosting the fair as planned in Munich from 5 to 7 October. The Messe München, in cooperation with the government of the Free State of Bavaria, is currently developing bespoke health and hygiene protocols that will allow us to ensure the success of EXPO REAL despite the Covid-19 pandemic. In order to host EXPO REAL 2020 at the Munich exhibition center, the following safety protocols must be observed:

• Safe distances must be maintained
• Comprehensive hygiene and health protection protocols must be in place
• Contact tracing protocols must comply with the specifications of the Robert Koch Institute (Germany’s national Public Health Institute)

They also communicated exhibition and convention industry hygiene protocols, recommendations for exhibition stand design and recommendations for stand catering. Provided the above requirements can be met, they currently expect to be able to hold EXPO REAL 2020 as planned.

We are surprised by their decision, but also excited that the biggest event of HPP can probably take place. At the moment, we are in conversation with our board members and co-exhibitors on how to proceed and prepare. A HPP Booth at the EXPO REAL according to the social distancing rules will be definitely very different than you are used to. We will continue working on the ‘how’ and ‘what’ and will inform you as soon as possible.