The organiser of Munich’s Expo Real has extended the exhibitor registration deadline to 17 June, while reaffirming its commitment to holding the trade fair in October.
The update comes as major agents – including Savills, CBRE, JLL, Avison Young and Cushman & Wakefield – withdraw from the three-day event, citing concerns that the risk of coronavirus will persist.
The event, timetabled for 5-7 October, last year attracted 46,747 participants from 76 countries, including 2,189 exhibitors.
It is understood that organiser Messe München will hold a board meeting next week to determine how the event will proceed, with an industry update to follow in mid-June.
Messe München is devising a “hygiene concept” in co-ordination with the Bavarian state government to make it possible to host the event even under existing restrictions.
In principle, the state government has granted permission for trade fairs to be held again from 1 September.
A spokesman for Messe München said: “We are continuing to work on the possibility of holding Expo Real at the beginning of October. We want to offer a meeting place for the real estate industry in autumn, which will provide participants with the opportunity to exchange ideas and information and offer real added value.
“Of course, this year’s trade fair or format will be significantly different than in the past, with fewer participants, but more focused and personal.
“We know about the current concerns and needs of many exhibitors and understand their situation. That is why we have extended the registration deadline to 17 June. In mid-June, we will also communicate how Expo Real will continue and in what form it will take place.”
To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette
