Press Release Aug. 19, 2020
After close consultation with exhibitors and partners, Messe Düsseldorf has decided to postpone REHACARE 2020. The world’s largest trade fair for rehabilitation and care will now take place from October 6 – 9, 2021 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany.
“We are constantly adapting our pre-existing high-level safety and hygiene standards for the Düsseldorf trade fair center to the current findings. At the same time, however, we are evaluating the situation for each of our individual trade fairs individually,” Werner M. Dornscheidt, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, explains in a media release.
“Despite the announcement of the North Rhine-Westphalia state government to make trade fairs and specialist congresses possible again by May 31, 2020, we have decided to postpone REHACARE until 2021 due to its specific participant demographic.”
REHACARE offers exhibitors and trade as well as private visitors the opportunity to exchange information on all topics relating to life with disabilities and old age. 36% of last year’s visitors were end consumers. The majority of them are people with disabilities or suffering from chronic diseases – and are thus considered among the Covid-19 risk group.
“The decision was not easy for us, but we know that this is the right and responsible choice to make under the current circumstances,” Dornscheidt adds.
Messe Düsseldorf is thus following the recommendation of the German government’s crisis management team: to base risk assessments for large-scale events on the principles issued by the Robert Koch Institute. Among other things, these state that people in high-risk groups should not attend events.
“In addition, we want to guarantee our exhibitors the highest level of planning security,” Hannes Niemann, Director of REHACARE, comments. “We have announced the postponement as quickly as possible in order to allow all those affected to react as early as possible.”
Looking forward to REHACARE 2021
Whether mobility and everyday aids, tips for leisure, travel and sports, or care aids – REHACARE will also present innovations and further developments for a largely independent life in 2021.
Equipment for barrier-free living completes the range of products at the trade fair. In addition, seminars, themed areas, lectures and panel discussions will offer more information about current topics relating to disability and social politics, the release continues.
“We have received positive feedback for our decision from numerous partners. Together we are looking forward to REHACARE in October 2021,” Niemann explains.
Messe Düsseldorf is working on digital alternatives of exchange and dialogue for the time until the next trade fair. For example, exhibitors can present their new products and services on the REHACARE website.
From September 25 – 26, 2020, therapie DÜSSELDORF, trade fair with congress for therapy and medical rehabilitation, was also planned to be held concurrently with REHACARE for the first time. Due to the current situation, Leipziger Messe GmbH, as the organizing trade fair company, has decided to initiate a digital event instead of an on-site event.
