IFA 2021 May Be a Full-Scale, In-Person Event

IFA 2021 could be an all-person event, making it one of the largest tech events to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world. The massive Berlin-based tech expo also managed to hold an event in September 2020, albeit with a vastly reduced capacity.

The announcement that IFA 2021 will have a full capacity crowd is a tantalizing moment for those in the tech industry, not least because COVID-19 infections are currently rising across Germany and most of the rest of the EU.

IFA 2021: Full Capacity for Tech Expo?

With the world on course to emerge from the pandemic, IFA Berlin is set to take place as a full-scale, real-life event from 3 - 7 September 2021. Huge interest from brands, manufacturers and retailers across all industry sectors to exhibit, network and co-innovate on location in Berlin

That's the message coming from the organizers of IFA 2021.

However, the announcement didn't indicate how the organizers would enforce COVID safety measures, aside from stating that they are in constant communication with Germany's public health authorities.

The concept of a massive tech event is bewildering for many. IFA is one of the highlights of the tech calendar, and despite being under five months away, many regular attendees are unsure as to how the event can proceed. That said, IFA 2021's organizers state that "some exhibition segments are seeing unprecedented levels of interest and are already reserved by more than 80 percent."

One thing that will differ from previous IFA events is the scale. IFA already covers most of the sprawling Messe Berlin. The 2021 edition will cover even more exhibition halls and outdoor spaces to give attendees and exhibitors a little more breathing room.

IFA Executive Director and Executive Vice President of Messe Berlin said, "With all our precautions to ensure everybody's good health, we don't expect IFA Berlin 2021 to set new records. However, the trend is clear: IFA Berlin is set for a full-scale comeback, to lead our industry once more."

What's New at IFA 2021?

Aside from the understandable trepidation regarding the event, what can you expect to see at IFA 2021?

Well, the IFA Berlin exhibition itself, which includes the keynote speakers, along with IFA Next, the futuristic edge of tomorrow event. Then there's SHIFT Mobility, which looks at the future of urban mobility, and IFA+ Summit, an event that analyzes the upcoming megatrends of digital tech.

New to IFA 2021 is Tech Up for Women, "a highly innovative conference, designed by women for women," and Berlin Photo Week, a contemporary exhibition of IFA's product portfolio with events throughout the city.

IFA 2021 is still five months away. As we've seen with COVID-19, the landscape can change rapidly. However, it isn't just the EU that must step its vaccination program up significantly for IFA 2021 to take place. Exhibitors travel to IFA from around the world, making accidental COVID transmission more likely.

Only time will tell, and September 3 is a long way off.

source https://www.makeuseof.com/ifa-2021-may-be-a-full-scale-in-person-event/