From 2021 on, Interzoo will be organised in odd-numbered years

Why was Interzoo postponed to 2021 instead of 2022? The main question is why Interzoo was not postponed to 2022? Rowena Arzt: “Many exhibitors wanted to present their innovations to a global audience at Interzoo 2020. Postponing until 2021 is manageable for them. The time span until 2022 is simply too long for most pet supplies companies launching new products worldwide. So we have followed industry wishes by organising Interzoo in 2021.”

“The worst scenario would have been to hold both Interzoo and Zoomark in 2021, within just four weeks of each other, right after the crisis. This would have led to confusion and reduced market benefits for all involved. WZF and BolognaFiere therefore quickly agreed that postponing both fairs was the best solution to support market participants. This will give the industry stability, reliability and the ability to plan ahead. The result of the switch is that Interzoo will now be organised in odd-numbered years.”

Rowena Arzt also stated: “I believe that, after a global crisis, a global trade fair is important to provide the industry with a positive impulse. Trade shows are a crucial instrument in enhancing the rehabilitation process in the aftermath of a crisis, and act as a business catalyst for industries and national economies. That is why we jointly took the decision to postpone both trade shows by one year.”

She continued: “The virus has changed society in several ways. One of them is that we have become more digital. Technology will help us optimise preparatory procedures and the actual implementation of b-to-b shows. But digital technology will not be able to replace the multi-sensual experience of a trade show. Personally, I believe in face-to-face meetings.”

Rowena Arzt believes that the crisis might lead to a stronger focus on pet and human health plus health surveillance in the future. Humans love living with their pets. And many pets have helped their pet parents during the isolation of lockdown.

“Meanwhile, exhibition organisers and venues around the world are working together with their associations and governments on concepts for holding future exhibitions in a successful, welcoming and efficient way for all involved. After the summer, we should be able to report more on this and its effect on Interzoo 2021.”