Düsseldorf, 29 May 2020. After close consultation with exhibitors and partners Messe Düsseldorf postpones REHACARE. The world’s biggest trade fair for rehabilitation and care will now takes place from 6 to 9 October 2021 – its regular trade fair date. “We are constantly adapting our pre-existing high-level safety and hygiene standards for the Düsseldorf trade fair centre to the current findings. At the same time, however, we are evaluating the situation for each of our individual trade fairs individually,” explains Mr. Dornscheidt, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. “Despite the regional government of North Rhine-Westphalia’s announcement that they would strive to enable the reopening of trade fairs and conferences by 31 May 2020, we have decided to postpone REHACARE until 2021 due to its specific participant demographic”.
REHACARE offers exhibitors and professional and private visitors alike the opportunity to discuss all subjects regarding living with a disability and in old age. 36% of the visitors at the previous edition were end consumers. The majority of these visitors are people with disabilities or who have chronic conditions and are thus considered high-risk groups for the Covid-19 virus. “We deliberated extensively over this decision, but we know that this is the right and responsible choice to make under the current circumstances,” stated Dornscheidt.
Messe Düsseldorf is thus following the recommendation of the German government’s crisis management team: to base risk assessments for large-scale events on the principles issued by the Robert Koch Institute. Among other items, these state that people in high-risk groups should not attend events.
“In addition, we want to guarantee our exhibitors the highest level of planning security,” says Hannes Niemann, the Director of REHACARE. “We have announced the postponement as quickly as possible in order to allow all those affected to react as early as possible”.
Looking forward to REHACARE 2021Whether you are looking for mobility aids or aids for everyday life, tips for leisure, travel or sport, or care aids, REHACARE 2021 will also present innovations and developments for leading your life as independently as possible. Equipment for accessible living rounds out the offer the trade fair. In addition, seminars, themed areas, lectures and panel discussions offer more information about current topics relating to disability and social politics. “We have received positive feedback on our decision from numerous partners. We’re all looking forward to REHACARE in October 2021 together,” explains Hannes Niemann. Messe Düsseldorf is working on digital alternatives for exchange and dialogue for the period until the next trade fair. For example, exhibitors can present their new products and services at
rehacare.com.
From 25 to 26 September 2020, therapie DÜSSELDORF, trade fair with congress for therapy and medical rehabilitation, was also planned to be held concurrently with REHACARE for the first time. Due to the current situation, Leipziger Messe GmbH, as the organising trade fair company, decided to introduce a digital event instead of the on-site event. Further information can be found at
therapiemesse-duesseldorf.de.