Based on extensive feedback from its customers, NürnbergMesse has decided, in close consultation with the Federal Association of Horticulture, Landscaping and Sports Facilities (Bundesverband Garten-, Landschafts- und Sportplatzbau, BGL), not to hold GaLaBau as planned in 2020. “We have considered the matter very carefully, and this is not a decision we take lightly,” says Petra Wolf, Member of the Management Board of NürnbergMesse. “Our decision to wait until 2022 before holding GaLaBau in Nuremberg again as usual was substantially informed by the wishes of our exhibitors and visitors. What we are now proposing to the sector is to prepare an alternative concept on-site and at a virtual level for 2020. At the same time, it will be all systems go for a successful GaLaBau in 2022.”
NürnbergMesse and the Federal Association of Horticulture, Landscaping and Sports Facilities (Bundesverband Garten-, Landschafts- und Sportplatzbau, BGL) jointly announce that GaLaBau will not be held as originally planned in September this year. “This decision is based on an extensive survey of the exhibitors who had registered for 2020,” comments Petra Wolf, Member of the Management Board of NürnbergMesse. “GaLaBau is an experience fair. It draws its vitality from live demonstrations, competitions and the opportunity to touch and try out machines, devices and materials. Although our customers need to establish contacts and learn about new products, the level of concern within the sector about the Covid-19 pandemic is just too strong to allow GaLaBau to take place in its usual format. We are now looking forward with optimism, and are devoting all our energy to GaLaBau 2022.” Even so, the organizers are also working hard to hold parts of GaLaBau on-site and in digitalized form, using the original date this coming autumn. “We are working closely with our customers to develop an alternative concept for autumn 2020, and are counting on support from the sector,” Wolf continues. “For example, we could imagine holding various points of GaLaBau’s supporting programme, trade forums or even product presentations on-site in the outdoor area, and providing virtual access. So be sure to keep the original date this coming autumn open in your calendar!”
Lutze von Wurmb, President of the Federal Association of Horticulture, Landscaping and Sports Facilities (Bundesverband Garten-, Landschafts- und Sportplatzbau, BGL), adds: “Naturally, we regret that GaLaBau can’t be held this year. Nevertheless, our top priority is to act on behalf of the entire industry and not hold an event against its wishes. It’s unfortunate that we’re unable to fulfil our goal of making GaLaBau a special experience for exhibitors and visitors and enabling them to establish and expand business relationships while the coronavirus pandemic continues. However, we’re very confident that certain aspects of GaLaBau, such as the popular Landscape Gardener Cup, could be implemented on site and virtually broadcast for viewers. We’re currently working to develop these ideas as quickly as possible.”
Surveys on GaLaBau reveal strong commitment
The surveys on GaLaBau enjoyed a high level of participation, showing that the sector appreciates being asked for its opinion and, ultimately, being able to have some practical input. Exhibitors and trade visitors alike support their green industry meeting, and are strongly committed to GaLaBau. Even so, the concerns arising from the current uncertainty are just too strong. A decline in willingness to invest on account of the current economic situation, combined with international travel restrictions, makes it difficult for many companies to plan and prepare to attend a trade fair right now.
“GaLaBau must retain its position as the leading trade fair for landscaping, maintenance and construction of urban and green spaces and sports grounds, golf courses and playgrounds,” Wolf asserts. “We believe it important for it to retain its position as THE green sector gathering and experience fair. Even if the situation may be different in September, now is the right time for us to cancel and enable our customers to plan with more certainty, since we unfortunately cannot guarantee that GaLaBau would be the success our customers would prefer. We are, however, very grateful for the many candid and constructive conversations we have had with our honorary sponsor BGL, our exhibitors and the Exhibition Advisory Board in recent weeks. We are now depending on all these parties to help develop an alternative concept.”
“In times of crisis, in particular, it is increasingly clear that being able to meet in person again, to learn and to interact are basic human needs,” observes Stefan Dittrich, Executive Director GaLaBau at NürnbergMesse. “GaLaBau will continue to offer guidance for all industry players in the future, and will remain a platform for business success. By deciding not to hold the trade fair again for a further two years, we are lining up for a successful GaLaBau in 2022, and we are already looking forward to meeting up again with the international green sector here in Nuremberg. You’ll be excited to see which alternative concepts, on-site or digital, we will be able to offer for 2020.”
Save the date
GaLaBau will resume its normal sequence at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg on 14-17 September 2022.
For all information for exhibitors and visitors, see :
