CBRE, JLL, Avison Young and Cushman & Wakefield are among the major firms withdrawing from real estate trade fair Expo Real in Munich, citing concerns over the potentially prolonged risk of coronavirus.
The three-day event, which is scheduled for 5-7 October, last year recorded 46,747 participants from 76 countries, including 2,189 exhibitors.
CBRE stated: “With the safety and wellbeing of our people at the forefront of our considerations, we have decided to withdraw CBRE’s attendance as exhibitor at Expo Real this year, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We continue to monitor and assess our attendance at all upcoming events and associated travel.”
A spokesman for JLL confirmed: “After careful consultation, we have decided to withdraw from Expo Real, taking place in October 2020 in Munich, to ensure we can continue to protect the health and well-being of our employees and clients.”
A spokesman for Cushman & Wakefield said: “We have not exhibited at industry events since our decision in February to withdraw from MIPIM due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We will not be doing so at Expo Real either this year as the health and safety of our people and clients remains our absolute priority.”
A statement from Avison Young reads: “As responsible global citizens, we believe we have a duty to support the continued global efforts to contain and reduce the spread of Covid-19.
“Due to the unpredictable nature of the virus’ development over the next months, we have taken the decision not to exhibit at Expo Real in October.
“We are actively monitoring and assessing our attendance at upcoming events on a case-by-case basis, using the most up-to-date information to inform any decisions.”
Firms that are still reviewing whether to attend include Savills and Colliers International.
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