News came today of the cancellation of Baselworld 2021, planned from 28 January to 2 February 2021.
This was a decision taken by the MCH Group with exhibitor representatives. "Together with exhibitors and visitors, we are working intensively to clarify and discuss the requirements and options for the new platforms," said Michel Loris-Melikoff, Managing Director of Baselworld. "We will make a decision on the possible formats by the summer and will then provide information on the new concept and schedule."
An agreement was also found regarding the definitive cancellation of the 2020 edition (the 2021 edition would actually have been postponed until January, hence the clash between exhibitors and the organisation on the costs not fully reimbursed by the fair). The official communiqué speaks of an amicable solution, unanimously approved by the Advisory Committee and also supported by the trade associations. "I welcome the constructive attitude of the MCH Group, which enabled us to find a balanced solution," said Hubert J. du Plessix, President of the Swiss Exhibitors' Committee. "I would also like to thank Patek Philippe, Rolex, Tudor, Chanel, Chopard, Hublot, Zenith and TAG Heuer who, in a spirit of solidarity with the industry as a whole, agreed to a lower reimbursement so that other exhibitors could benefit from better conditions." Bernd Stadlwieser, CEO of the MCH Group, emphasised: 'We are pleased that we worked together and, in a short time, found a solution that was acceptable to everyone. Given the significant loss of revenue due to Covid-19 and our responsibility to all parties involved, this solution marks the limit of what was possible. With the amicable agreement for Baselworld 2020, we can now focus fully on the future.
