APEX and IRE shows postponed to June 2021

APEX and the International Rental Exhibition (IRE) have been postponed again as a result of the ongoing impact of Covid-19. The shows will now take place on 15 to 17 June, 2021 and will remain at the Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre (MECC), The Netherlands.

The European Rental Association (ERA) has confirmed that it will cancel its 2020 Convention – which was scheduled to take place alongside IRE – and will hold its 2021 Convention at MECC in June 2021, co-located with IRE.

The organisers, I.P.I. and KHL Group, said the decision followed regular discussions with exhibitors, partners, contractors, the MECC venue and supporting associations, and the recent decision by the Dutch Government to extend the ban on public events until 1 September, 2020.

“We wanted to give exhibitors and visitors as much warning as possible to help their business planning,” said Tony Kenter, President of organiser, BV Industrial Promotions International (I.P.I.).

“Listening closely to our exhibitors and the market in general, we feel that this is the correct and responsible decision to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone involved.

“We are pleased that the European Rental Association has agreed to stage its 2021 convention in Maastricht alongside IRE, as originally planned for this year.”

The European Rental Awards will take place later this year, with the format and timing still to be agreed. The judging process is well advanced and the aim will be to announce the winners in 2020, allowing the awards process for 2021 to proceed as normal.

James King, Managing Director of exhibition partner KHL Group, added, “After extensive consultation, we would like to thank all exhibitors for their guidance, support and understanding during this fast-changing situation.

“We hope that the revised date provides clarity and time to ensure we deliver the same high-quality and successful events in a safe environment. With travel restrictions hopefully lifted by June 2021, this will ensure that we attract our traditional global audience of visitors.

“I think by then our industry will be ready to get together to share Covid-19 business stories, learn from each other, and collaborate on planning for the inevitable economic recovery”.