Taking into account the public health concerns, travel restrictions and market volatility due to the Coronavirus outbreak, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India has decided to postpone the Mumbai edition of Screen Print India 2020 scheduled to be held from 24-26 April 2020.
In view of restrictions on international travel due to visa suspensions, limitation in movement and the blanket ban issued on events by local authorities to curb the spread of Covid-19, the Indian subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt has taken a pre-emptive decision of postponing the 15th edition of Screen Print India 2020 scheduled next month in April. “We have had to take this time-sensitive decision in the interest of our exhibitors, visitors, employees and all the stakeholders involved. While it is a tough call for us as organisers, it is a responsible decision and we are happy to have the full support of the industry,†says Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd.
The postponement decision has been welcomed by exhibitors given the current market volatility and travel curbs which will affect regular business. Over the years, Screen Print India has become a convergence point for country and association delegations from across Asia as they gather for this unique event and the international factor has become even stronger.
With a large international contingent from China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Switzerland, Singapore, Thailand and the USA slated to participate at the upcoming fair in April, the travel restrictions put in place by governments and local authorities across the world make it difficult for the exhibition to take place as normal and demanded an immediate analysis of the situation. The organiser stated that the overriding factor in any decision is the health and safety of its exhibitors, visitors, employees and the stakeholders associated and the increased risk due to significant international participation cannot be ignored. According to Mr Raj Manek: “This is a time that calls for our collective focus on social distancing measures that will support the efforts of local governments in curbing the spread of Covid-19. When the pandemic is over, the business community and all our stakeholders can continue to count on Messe Frankfurt and our exhibition platforms to bring people together and create markets worldwide.â€Â
The Mumbai edition is planned to be held in the later part of the year, and the new dates will be announced in the coming weeks, after consultations with the fair’s international and local supporting associations. The Delhi launch edition continues to be on schedule from 21 – 23 August 2020.