LabNL 2021 will not take place in September

Last Monday we informed all exhibitors that we would make a decision regarding LabNL 2021 based on the results of the press conference on August 13. We now inform you that the FHI boards involved have decided not to allow LabNL 2021, scheduled from September 28 to 30, to go ahead.

In June, the board members of our organizing association FHI hoped and expected that the 1.5 meter measure would be lifted at the end of September. And that we could offer a safe fair without 1.5 meters based on the Corona Check app alone. The press conference last Friday shows that this certainty is not yet there.  

Due to the ongoing corona measures and the uncertainty surrounding the possible phasing out of these rules, there are too few possibilities to offer our members and trade fair participants a good trade fair experience. In our opinion, the rules surrounding the 1.5 meter measure in particular cause too many restrictions on the trade fair floor. Think of widening aisles to 6 meters wide or using one-way traffic in the aisles and limiting the number of visitors to your stand. In addition, this measure increases the threshold for a successful trade fair visit.

The next decision point from the government as to whether or not to cancel the 1.5 meter measure will come too late for us (September 13). Thorough preparation for a successful trade fair participation is then no longer possible. This uncertainty also has a negative impact on visitor recruitment to the fair. 

The trade fair organization, together with the Jaarbeurs, is currently looking into the possibilities of moving LabNL to November or to the first two weeks of December 2021. The voice of the exhibitor is also important in this research. Exhibitors can register via this link indicate whether or not they intend to participate in LabNL when it can be held in November or December. The deadline for completing this mini-survey is Friday, August 27, 2021.

Exhibitors who registered for LabNL 2021 will retain their stand (and stand position). We expect to be able to inform exhibitors in the week of 30 August about the possible relocation of the fair. Until then, fair participants do not need to do anything with their current registration.

Naturally, we are very disappointed that the fair will not take place in September. If you have any questions, it is best to contact us via labnl@fhi.nl.  

We thank exhibitors and visitors for their understanding and wish everyone good cheer in these times.

You can also find more information in our FAQ for visitors or exhibitors