Informa Markets, global events organiser for specialist markets and industries has announced Fi Europe, co-located with Hi Europe 2020 in Frankfurt has been postponed as COVID-19 disruption pushes the need for digital and virtual events. The event organisers released a statement yesterday which said:
“Over recent weeks and months, we have been in discussions with key industry stakeholders and partners to stay abreast of the challenges facing the F&B industry due to COVID-19.
“From a health and safety standpoint, we introduced the AllSecure guidelines and felt confident we could deliver a safe and secure live event, incorporating the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
“Fi Europe co-located with Hi Europe is a truly global event, bringing together key industry players from all over the world. Countries are at different stages of recovery post-COVID-19 and international travel is only returning gradually. It will therefore be difficult to ensure the same level of participation and high-quality, in-person experience in Frankfurt this year that everyone has come to expect at the show.
“Therefore, together with our key stakeholders and partners we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the show and focus on other ways to connect the industry in 2020, with a best-in-class virtual event and a commitment that Fi Europe co-located with Hi Europe will return stronger than ever to Germany on 30 November – 2 December 2021 in Messe Frankfurt. In 2022, the event will take place in Paris, France.”
Introducing Fi Europe Connect – Connecting the Fi Europe & Hi Europe community online
“This year is different. And we’re different, too.
“2020 has brought with it several new challenges for the F&B industry. Concerns about global food safety and security, strains on supply chains and changes in ingredients sourcing have made it more pivotal than ever for ingredients suppliers and buyers to connect with their peers in the F&B industry. And we’re enabling you to do just that.
“We’re therefore presenting you with Fi Europe CONNECT 2020, a virtual event designed to give you access to the global F&B ingredients industry, tools and collaboration opportunities you require to meet your business objectives.
“Join over 8,000 attendees at our virtual event which will shape the future of the F&B industry. Stay updated on F&B industry trends through 100+ on-demand and 16+ expert sessions and use our data-driven matchmaking service to find the latest products and solutions.
Rest assured that we are focused on supporting and connecting the industry during this challenging period for everyone and will concentrate all our efforts on providing you with the best digital networking and learning opportunities in 2020, whilst ensuring that Fi Europe co-located with Hi Europe 2021 returns to Germany with a stronger offering than ever before. In 2022, the event will take place in Paris, France.
“We thank you for your continued support and trust.”