Organiser of Living Kitchen, Koelnmesse has said the show will go ahead as a physical event, despite the decision by Messe Frankfurt to make the ISH bathroom show a digital-only event.

President and chief executive office of Koelnmesse, Gerald Bose said the decision by Messe Frankfurt was “surprising”.

He exclaimed: “The timing of the Frankfurt decision is surprising, especially with the trade fair market now coming back to life in Germany, too.

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“But every trade fair location has to face the effects of the pandemic in its own way and take decisions of its own, based on the particulars of its own portfolio.

“Naturally, we here in Cologne will continue to pursue our plans to begin organising fairs on our trade fair grounds in the near future.

“These plans have been discussed and co-ordinated extensively with our exhibitors and visitors.

“The sectors want to start taking part in trade fairs again – always subject to the premise of safety and, of course, approvals by the authorities.”

Oliver Frese, executive board member and chief operating officer of Koelnmesse, stated in North Rhine-Westphalia, trade exhibitions can resume subject to “certain conditions”.

He stated: “This is how we will proceed for each individual event, guided by the needs of each of the sectors involved.”

Oliver Frese said there will be a focus on European exhibitors and visitors for Imm Cologne and Living Kitchen:”We do not expect a return to the international dimensions of previous events right at the beginning of the new year.

“Participation will become much more focused…the emphasis at imm cologne in January, for instance, will be heavily directed towards Europe. But the trade fairs are going to take place.”

Frese added the show will be “meticulously” prepared in consultation with exhibitors and partners and will be using digital to extend its reach globally.

He exclaimed: “We remain confident and look forward to our trade fairs in Cologne!”

Imm Cologne and Living Kitchen will both take place at the Cologne exhibition hall from January 18-24, 2021.