The Special Edition of imm cologne, planned for January 20-23 2021, has been cancelled due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The show was going to be a hybrid event combining a physical and virtual event, but it is not going ahead this year, even as digital-only.

CEO of organiser Koelnmesse Gerald Böse said: “We’ve had to face the reality, even though it’s painful. In the end, because of the very dynamic way things are developing right now, the uncertainty among our exhibitors and visitors was just too strong.

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“This decision was geared to the interiors industry and made in close consultation with our conceptual sponsor, the VDM (Association of the German Furniture Industry), as well as our exhibitors and partners.”

He explained the reason for not continuing with a digital event, adding: “Because the concept for the special edition was based on the offline and online formats being closely interlinked and mutually dependent, not even a purely digital event made sense under these circumstances.”

Koelnmesse had already made the decision to cancel the standalone Living Kitchen event, instead integrating kitchens into the global furniture fair.

However, the decision has now been made for the physical and digital show to be cancelled.

COO of Koelnmesse Oliver Frese commented: “Over the last few months, ‘We make it happen’ was our unambiguous commitment to holding imm cologne in January 2021.

“With the special edition of imm cologne, we wanted to play an active role in tackling the current crisis. Now we have to abandon that plan.

“The on-site experience of a trade fair is and always will be something very special, and the developments of recent weeks – and in particular the latest feedback from our customers – have shown that today’s cancellation of the special edition, which we had planned with so much dedication and commitment, is the right decision because it’s appropriate to the situation.”

The decision to cancel the hybrid show has been supported by its exhibitors.

President of the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM) Elmar Duffner commented: “The fact that imm cologne 2021 can’t take place because of the pandemic is extremely regrettable for our industry. But in view of the worsening corona situation in Germany and many other countries, it’s the right decision. As imm cologne’s conceptual sponsor, we support the decision to cancel the event.”

Imm Cologne will take place from January 19-23 2022 with both a physical event, supported by digital features.

Managing director of the German Furniture Industry Association (VDM) Jan Kurth said: “As Europe’s biggest furniture nation, Germany needs imm cologne as the key, leading trade fair.

“Together with Koelnmesse, we’ll spare no effort in mounting a compelling and innovative imm cologne 2022.”