Just two days ago we reported that some car brands were pulling out of this 90th Geneva Motor Show and some others were only allowing not executive staff to attend. Now comes news that the show is cancelled.
Is this the start of many more automotive events and shows to be cancelled in the coming months around the globe and also Malaysia? Probably yes and it is best to do so to prevent any doubt about health issues.
This move will hurt the Geneva hotel and food and beverage industry in a significant way as the Geneva Motor Show brings in thousands of visitors, trade executives and media every year to this city. Bookings for hotels, entertainment and food is usually made some 8-12 months in advance to get the best possible for guests of the show as automotive brands look to entertain the media and business partners at the first automotive show for each year.
This Geneva Motor Show is not the biggest automotive show in terms of size, but it is always the biggest in terms of attending brands as it is the first show of each business year.
PRESS RELEASE: The 90th edition of the GIMS, which was supposed to welcome the media from next Monday and the general public from 5 to 15 March 2020, will now finally not take place. This is an injonction decision of the Federal Council of 28 February 2020 that no events with more than 1,000 people are allowed to take place until 15 March 2020. The decision falls 3 days before the opening of the exhibition to the media.
The organizers accept this decision: “We regret this situation, but the health of all participants is our and our exhibitors’ top priority. This is a case of force majeure and a tremendous loss for the manufacturers who have invested massively in their presence in Geneva. However, we are convinced that they will understand this decision,” said Maurice Turrettini, Chairman of the Foundation Board. We would like to warmly thank all those involved in the organisation of the 2020 edition of GIMS.
A few days before the opening of the event, the construction of the stands was very nearly complete. A week ago, during the press conferences announcing the 2020 edition, there was nothing to suggest that such a measure was necessary. The situation changed with the appearance of the first confirmed coronavirus diseases in Switzerland and the injonction of the Federal Council on 28.02.2020. The event is cancelled due to this decision.
In the meantime, the dismantling of the event will now have to be organised. The financial consequences for all those involved in the event are significant and will need to be assessed over the coming weeks. One thing is certain: tickets already purchased for the event will be refunded. The organisers will communicate about this as soon as possible, via their website.
