Boot Düsseldorf will not be held in 2022 due to the ongoing spread of the omicron virus variant in Germany, with organisers scheduling he next edition for January 21-29, 2023. Increased restrictions have been in place in Germany since December 28 including on events, and North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) state has banned the holding of large events with spectators in January.

Wolfram N. Diener, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, said: “The pandemic must be overcome as quickly as possible so that the trade fair industry can once again work with planning security for exhibitors and visitors. It is therefore with a heavy heart that we have to say goodbye to holding Boot in January 2022.

“However, the decision of the state government is also in line with the wishes of many exhibitors who are very worried about participating in Boot during the omicron wave. I ask all those involved for their understanding and support so we can get back to work together in full force in 2023.”

Karl-Josef Laumann, NRW Health Minister, said: “We have to continue to be very careful. The omicron variant is spreading in a dynamic we don’t yet know, but we must act today. That is why we had already banned large football matches and sporting events with spectators in the current Covid Protection Ordinance. It is only logical that no large public fairs with many visitors from different regions and countries from all over the world take place in January either.”

Dr Stephan Keller, Düsseldorf’s Lord Mayor, supported the state’s decision: “Of course, we had hoped that the pandemic situation in January would allow Boot to be held under strict hygiene conditions. But in the end, it is only consistent to do without large public fairs such as Boot to contain the spread of the omicron variant. Even before the country’s ban, I agreed with the management of Messe Düsseldorf not to take an unjustifiable risk and to cancel Boot if necessary.”

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